Six Tips for Creating Quality Family Time

By Rachel Martin, Student Intern, & Naomi Brower, Extension Professor

Let’s face it, life is crazy busy and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. This can sometimes force parents to juggle several roles at once while going in many different directions. Some of the roles we often play are mom or dad, husband or wife, chef, chauffeur, coach, provider, employee, and/or caregiver. The list can go on and on. All this rushing about can result in feeling a desperate need for more time to spend enjoying our family. Some adjustments may be needed to adapt to all the hustle and bustle. How do we spend our time wisely?
When we don’t have a surplus of time, we need to make the most out of what we do have. Quality time matters over quantity and it can make a difference in family relationships (Hsin & Felfe, 2014). Consider these tips to make the most out of whatever time you have to spend with your family.

1. Turn off the electronics.

This will prevent any unnecessary distractions while you are trying to spend quality time with your loved ones.

2. Involve your children.

Let your children be a part of the planning of your quality time together. Children can pick out an activity they enjoy and parents can be active participants.

3. Be intentional.

Let your children know that they are important to you and this time is specifically for them. Express your love for them and how happy you are to be able to spend some time with them.

4. Talk.

Make time to talk one-on-one with each family member, even if it’s for ten minutes. This can help build and strengthen individual relationships as you get to better know each another. 

5. Eat together.

Family meal time is one way to spend time with your family and focus on just them. It gives you the opportunity to develop skills and learn from one another. You can even have a family meeting at the table to plan your schedule and get the most out of your time. 

6. Discover time in the routine.

Quality time does not need to be a big Broadway production or even a planned activity. It can be simple and found in the most unlikely of places like car rides, the little moments before school or bedtime, and even while doing chores. Quality time just needs to have a purpose and be meaningful. 

Research shows that quality time is crucial to development, improves mental health, decreases behavioral issues, aids in academic performance, boosts self-confidence, and children become more adaptable and resilient to change (Thatcher, 2020). Quality family time matters and even small efforts can make a difference!

Additional resources:

To learn more about the benefits for time together visit  https://highlandspringsclinic.org/the-top-ten-benefits-of-spending-time-with-family/.
See www.hiddengems.usu.edu for free downloadable guides providing simple and inexpensive ways to connect and play together. 

Resources:

• Hsin, A.& Felfe C. (2014). When does time matter? Maternal employment, children’s time with parents, and child development. Demography, 51(5), 1887-1894. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13524-014-0334-5
• Thatcher, T. (2020). The top ten benefits of spending time with family. Highland Springs Specialty Clinic. https://highlandspringsclinic.org/the-top-ten-benefits-of-spending-time-with-family/