With so many competing demands on time and attention, it is harder than ever for families to spend quality time together. One study found that families spend only 36 minutes of quality time together on the average weekday. However, kids spend an average of 2 hours and 22 minutes every day in front of a computer screen. Does spending time together really make a difference?
Improve Behavior and Other Benchmarks
Research shows that teenagers who spend more time with parents and family are less likely to skip school or face legal trouble. Family time is important to childhood development, and kids who experience a good amount of family time are also more likely to perform well in school and have better physical and emotional health. Think of family time as a part of maintaining health just like a good diet and drinking enough water.
Strengthen Your Familial Bond
The more that you invest in spending time together doing fun activities, the stronger that your family bond will be. Research demonstrates that spending leisure time as a family improves satisfaction and increases the strength of the family bond. The closer you are with your children, the more emotionally comfortable they will also be with the strength of your relationship.
Children who feel supported and validated are less likely to act out through negative behavior in the hopes of getting attention. When you make it clear that you are interested in the well-being of your children, they will feel more comfortable approaching you with problems.
Quick Tips for Spending Time Together
- Take advantage of small moments throughout the day, like having a child come along with you while you run errands or help wash the dishes. Small routine moments that seem boring to you can mean a lot to children.
- Have dinner together as many times as possible during the week. While that sounds impossible to some families, you can schedule around dinner just like you schedule around soccer practice or homework time.
- Come up with creative and fun ways to spend time together during the week or on the weekend. Whether you start a board game night or plant a family garden, there are many ways to have a great time while staying unplugged.
- What do you do to exercise? If you go for a walk around the block or do exercise videos in your basement, spending time together exercising as a family is a great way to encourage healthy habits and spend more time together as well.
Get Connected with Your Family
If you are struggling to connect with your child or spend more time with your family, you are not alone. Reach out to CBT Baltimore at 443-470-9815. We would love to speak with you.