When family ties are stressed from lack of time
In today's ever busy world families are having a harder and harder time finding time where they can just be together. This inevitably causes a decline in the closeness of the family ties. Families are finding themselves constantly being pulled apart as they must meet the demands of job, school and other outside activities. While being overscheduled was once the domain of adults, many children now require date books and scheduling to keep all of their school and extra curricular activities straight. Many families are reverting to color coding family member's activities on calendars and giving up family dinner times to simply bow to the demands of being to busy. But if you feel that your family ties are suffering from a lack of time there are ways to become closer. Here is what you can do when family ties are stressed from lack of time-
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- Schedule in family time-While this solution may seem overly simple it really does work. By scheduling in family time you are saying to the members of your household that being together is of the utmost importance. Teenagers may balk but if you are consistent with your demand of uninterrupted family time (this means no TV. cell phones or other demands) they will come to see how important it really is. Just remember that "family time" does not have be overly complicated or expensive. Simply let your family know that one night (or morning or afternoon whatever works for you) they are required to show up (no excuses) for some genuine family time. This can include a meal, fun activity or simply hanging out together.
- Give up some things. If your family ties are stressed from a lack of time it may be time to give up something. While there are non-negotiable like jobs or school there are often plenty of other activities that can be trimmed or eliminated to make room for family time. While there may be some initial reluctance or downright refusal to give up something on each person's schedule pressing how important your family time is can help. Best of all many families who have trimmed or eliminated activities not only find themselves closer but less stressed due to the decrease of demands on their time.
- Go on vacation. Many families find that the camaraderie of a road trip or plane flight together can increase closeness and strengthen family ties. Whether you stay close to home or visit an exotic destination you can create some memories that are unique to your family. It can be helpful to begin the planning stage with everyone involved and it may also increase the enthusiasm for the upcoming trip. Keep in mind however that if your family has been pulled in a lot of different directions a week long trip may not automatically foster extreme closeness. Plan some family activities and where appropriate allow for down time so that everyone can recharge and renew while still enjoying their time together. In addition do not set your expectations to high but remember that funny story of how things did not go perfect can bring your family closer for a long time to come.
- Work around the schedules. Even if you can schedule family time, decrease demands and go on vacation you will still have to cope with the demands of a very busy world. Making family ties a priority can also be fit into your life in little ways. Notes tucked in lunch boxes, texting on phones, "secret Santa" surprises between family members can all bring the people you love much closer despite not having the amount of time you would really like to share with them.
