As you head into the back-to-school, holidays and career pressures, you may wonder: Can I really do it again? A growing number of concerned parents are thinking seriously about the enormous costs of frantic living. Determined to put the focus on family, a group of moms and dads in Minnesota organized a community group called “Family Life First”. Its mission: to get families in their community to rethink their hyperactive lifestyles. Try the group’s ten tips on finding more quality family time.

1. Limit yourself.

As a parent, you also have your limits. Basically, you get one evening out during the week. The rituals that build closeness: bedtime stories, family time in front of the fire or a favorite TV show, can’t happen when Mom and Dad use the front door like a revolving door. Keep the Love Train on track by scheduling a quiet evening for two now and then.

2. Limit kids’ activities.

Limit your kids to one after-school activity. This may be harder decision for you than for your kids! Think of it this way: Teaching kids to make choices is an essential part of a parent’s job. These activities build skills, and give kids a sense of what they can do. But time spent with family gives them a sense of who they are.

3. Kill the TV.

Turn off your TV during meals, and the result will probably be better table talk and a less circus-like atmosphere. Sitting down to watch a particular show or video can be a great way for families to relax together, but having the TV on in the background just adds another level of noise and stress.

4. Brunch!

Make brunch for your bunch every Sunday. Family Life First’s Gina Coburn liked the idea of having one mandatory family meal each week, but it wasn’t until she and her husband went off on their own one Sunday that she discovered what their weekly Finding More Quality Time for Your Family brunch meant to her teenage children.

5. Make a reading tree.

This is a great idea from Steve and Ruth Bennett, parents and co-authors of numerous activity books. Find a tree in your backyard or a local park and claim it as your own. Bring a book and a blanket, and make it a regular spot for story time.

7. Pick your own.

Go apple picking with your family. If you’ve got kids of different ages and temperaments, it’s sometimes hard to find a movie or game for everyone. Picking apples or pulling carrots is something everybody can do well and do together, and these outdoor activities provide another chance to savour the waning warmth of the fall season.

8. Cook double.

Cook double, and save time and trouble.

9. Catch some winks.

Get some sleep! When you feel rested, you feel calm. So pay bills in the morning, and turn on the radio to catch the news you missed from the night before.

10. Plan TGIF fun nights.

Friday night is one of the best times to focus on family. While others wait in line for tables at overcrowded restaurants, grab a takeout pizza and head back to the ranch. Let kids take turns each week setting the agenda.

Source:  http://www.teachervision.fen.com/tv/printables/botr/botr_188_29-30.pdf

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