6 Ways to Create More Family Fun Time

It seems as though all of us believe and feel we don't have enough time in our lives.  It is really difficult to accept the fact that if we don't think we have enough family time, we need instead to remember - creating time is a choice.  Most of us are not aware that every day we are making choices constantly about how we use or invest our time.  Do we stop and think about our top priority??

We all seem to loave the fantasy that if we just had another hour or two of time and/or energy we could "get it all done."  (I've had to give up that fantasy and realize my "to do list" was totally unrealistic - like 3 - 4 times longer than is actually possible with the normal life happenings.)

One way to help ourselves change our thinking is to keep track for a few days of how we use those precious hours we have.  Some of us may make different choices when we realize the choices we have.  Another later article will take this idea further. 

Now for the 6 tips:

1.  Discover the power of "Take 15."  We can all find at least 15 minutes in our days to spend with our family.  It might be cuddle time with our kids, time to read to them or to make up stories or just really listen with our full attention.  This time could be invested in cooking a meal together or taking a walk with either our partner, one of the kids of even the whole family.  Anything we choose to do together can be an investment in the one part of our lives that we claim is most important to us.  (Besides our faith foundation, hopefully from my point of view.) That special time we choose to "Take15" to be fully present with our family demonstrates our love and ptiorities to those we care about the most.

2.  Decide now, after looking over everyone's calendar together to have a weekly family night.  Starting with just one hour at first usually works best.  We can build it up as time goes on and the family gets more into it.  One family member selects what the family will do.  Each family member has a turn.  This week Mom may pick dinner out.  Next week the son may choose a family video or the daughter a special family game, or a TV show, or walk, or shop.  It really doesn't matter as long as you all do it together and you don't break the date.  This is quality time to be together and enjoy one another and an event.

3.  Something everyone will love after getting used to it is a monthly 24-hour recovery day.  Plan one day a month where the adults do no work.  The adults in your family may have to "work hard" not to work!  This can be very uncomfortable at first.  You don't think about work, talk about work, or do work - no cell phone, pager, email or paperwork - nothing that is work related.  Simply spend the day with your family.  You don't have to do anything special, just be together and experience being a family.  Recovery days are appointments you never break unless there is blood or fire!  You'll be replenished and renewed.  (Sometimes only one adult at a time can do this due to hard to match schedules, but it can be a great time of renewal.  If not possible to do a whole day, you can at least set aside a number of hours just to recharge.

4.  Purposefully share positive aspects of each family member.  (At times this may take some "detective work" if someone is going through a hard stage!).  At dinner time, or any together time, share things you truly appreciate about each family member.  Remember we get more of what we reinforce!!!  (No sarcasm allowed.) Tell the others  what you appreciate.  Focus on what is working and what is good about each person.  As you are thinking about this idea ahead of time, it has the power to totally change your mindset about your family members.  By allowing yourselves to really feel how much you appreciate them, you will also be able to express how joyful you are for who they  are.  This is a great way to feel connected, appreciated, and to amp up your energy and love.  In the games section you will find there are numerous tools you can order without overspending your budget.

5.  Lunch and listen to one another.  Often in the middle of the day we have much more energy and since this is not something we do daily, it makes it more special.  Make a lunch date with your partner or your kids or both and grab a bite together.  Catch up and really tune in deeply and listen with your heart to what they have to say and what may be behind the words.  Focus on them and on hearing them and learning more about them.  You will feel closer.  Your connection will increase as you really give full attention.

6.  Make your family your priority.  If it were your last day on earth, what would you do?  You would want to be with your loved ones.  Plan to be with your family and plan your time.  Ask yourself "What am I missing?"  Then make the choice to add that to your life.  When you are making your family a number one priority you will gain immeasurable results from your time and energy investment!

YOUR IDEAS that are working and LESSONS LEARNED from those that didn't are always MOST WELCOME!  Love to hear today.