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The Importance of Spending Time Together
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The fast pace of modern-day family life can make it easy to forget that simply just spending time with our children is really important. Our time is one of the greatest things we can give them. Summertime offers lots of opportunities to spend time together and some good old family bonding! Here’s why you should make quality time a priority: It builds children’s self-esteemChildren who spend time with their parents participating in activities together build a positive sense of self-worth. When children feel that they are valued by their parents, they feel more positive about themselves. Family activities don’t have to be expensive trips out to be meaningful, the important part is just being together. You could go for a bike ride or play a game together.
It strengthens family bondsFamilies who share everyday activities together form strong, emotional ties. Studies have found that families who enjoy group activities together share a stronger emotional bond as well as an ability to adapt well to situations as a family. Share your favorite hobbies, sports, books, movies, or other favorite activities. It develops positive behaviorsChildren and adolescents who spend more time with their parents are less likely to get involved in risky behavior. According to studies done by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse via Arizona State University, teens who have infrequent family dinners are twice as likely to use tobacco, nearly twice as likely to use alcohol, and one and a half times more likely to use marijuana. Children who frequently eat with their families also usually have improved dietary intake compared to those who don’t eat as often with family members. It encourages communicationWhen you spend time with your children you are fostering an environment for open communication. Good communication is important for your children to feel comfortable with talking about anything. Simply asking your child how their day ask gone can make a big difference. It can help your child’s academic performanceSpending time helping your children with schoolwork or reading together, especially in their early years, will foster an environment that values academics. If your child feels comfortable coming to you with schoolwork, they are more likely to perform better academically. It can help your children be good friendsChildren learn by example. If you are setting a good example for them by spending quality time together, they are more likely to adopt those behaviors in other relationships in their lives. Simple things like playing games together will help them understand more about interacting with others as well as teach them things like sharing and kindness. Most importantly, family time means you can just have fun and enjoy each other's company! You’ve still got a little bit of time left before the children go back to school so make the most of it this weekend and do something together.
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