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Family Time, Ten Tips
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Families are spending less and less time together. As a result, many children are getting less personal love and attention than their parents did. American Demographics reports that parents today spend roughly 40 percent less time with their children than did parents a generation ago. 

The following family time tips will help you stay better connected with your children and husband. Keep in mind, quantity and quality time is important when choosing activities. So build memories around exciting events and keep your family time creative and enjoyable.

1. Eat Together and Listen to Each Other

Most children today don't know the meaning of a family dinnertime. Yet the communication and unity built during this setting is integral to a healthy family life. Sharing a meal together allows the opportunity to talk about each other's lives. This is a time for you to listen, as well as to give advice and encouragement. Attentive listening conveys a message that you are really interested in them. It also imparts a sense of worth and helps develop trust. Therefore, listening is a critical link in successful parenting.

2. Read Often

It's important for moms to read to their children. The latest research indicates that reading to your children cultivates an interest for knowledge and stimulates language development. It also increases their attention spans and helps them become more curious. Look for books that your child would enjoy reading. After reading, ask questions about the content.

3. Do Chores Together

Part of what goes on in the home is the development of teamwork. Functional family life depends on the contribution of everyone. Assigning chores is the most productive way of teaching responsibility and accountability to your children. Doing chores with your children will help foster good communication skills.

4. Help with Schoolwork

A great way to spend quality time with children and light a fire of learning is to help children with their schoolwork. A mother's eagerness to help will cause a child to become more interested in school thus improving his or her grades. Regular trips to the library for school projects is an inexpensive and enjoyable way to spend time with children. Helping should begin with an understanding that children are responsible for homework. You are there to help your children get organized and to encourage them when they get stuck -- not to do their work for them.

5. Start a Hobby or Project

Choose a fun activity that your children are interested in. Activities like cooking, crafts, fishing or biking will make great hobbies that can open the door to exciting family time. Once a child learns a new recipe or is able to cast a lure accurately, let him or her take the lead -- with your supervision.

6. Play Games

New technology has made video games more prevalent. As a result, many children are spending long hours in front of the TV playing computer programs. Parents should find creative ways to spark an interest in family-oriented contests such as board games or card games. This will give parents additional time to talk and nurture their relationship.

7. Plan a Family Outing

Sometimes just getting out of the house is a great revitalization for your family. Hop in the car and go for a drive together. Prepare a picnic lunch and visit a local park. Take time to play catch or ride a bike. Take a walk through the woods and talk with your kids about what is going on in their lives. Visit a zoo or museum to spark their enthusiasm and discuss what interested them most.

8. Encourage Athletic Activities

It is vital for children to exercise. Athletic activities will not only strengthen the body, but will also build character and determination. Whether it's pitching a baseball or playing tennis together, finding time for athletic events is important for your children's emotional and physical development. Plus, it's a great opportunity for your family to interact.

9. Create a Family Time Calendar

Since many moms have hectic schedules, time with their children often becomes a low priority whether intended or not. Post a calendar on the refrigerator and have you, your husband and your children plan special events together. Knowing when you're going to meet may also help you think of creative activities. Commit to keeping this schedule free from interruptions.

10. Pray and Worship Together

Nothing is more special than taking a few minutes each day to pray with a child before bedtime. By explaining the purpose behind prayer, children will learn the importance of faith as the foundation for the family. Attending a church will enable children to interact with godly people and encourage them to live virtuous and disciplined lives. When a mother and father go to religious services, they instill in their children a reverence for God. Churches can also offer invaluable support to families.

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