Creating Family Time Amidst Your Busy Work Schedules
Creating time for family can prove to be an uphill task today amidst the busy work schedules and daily errands. Modern parents have jam packed schedules while their kids on the other hand have organized sports, lessons and never-ending school programs. This takes toll on them all and is the reason why kids today struggle with adult-like stress issues.
You see, this kind of hectic pace is what makes parents exhausted and frustrated and there is very little if at all, family or couple moment. Unfortunately, if this goes unchecked it can breed grounds for divorce.
In his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families, Stephen Cook reminds us that one can find another job when the current one is lost, a house, when we lose one. But we can never replace our families when we lose one. This is the reason we need to put our families first as parents. Our families are the most valuable investment we can’t afford to lose.
It is crucial to make strong bonds with your spouse and kids while they are growing up to prevent feeling terrible when they are all grown or your family is already broken. Having quality time with family makes everyone feel happier.
In this piece, we will share a few tips to help you create time for your family despite your hectic work schedules.
- Set priorities
Setting right priorities is one of the most important steps in finding balance. We are all created differently and it’s normal for someone to want to do it all even if they can’t. Some want to do nothing at all, it is equally alright. Setting priorities and be willing to make tough decisions to leave alone what you cannot do or do what you can, makes the whole difference.
Letting go of the tasks you cannot handle at home or work creates time for family. Scheduling the extra work in your office for the next day, or delegating it ensures you are home early enough for family and spouse. This also prevents you from experiencing burnout when with the family.
what are examples of these priorities and tough decisions? These could be declining any more files after a certain time, or not attending a meeting that is not important to your work process to grace your kids school event or family dinner. Making tough decisions is all about striking a balance between work and your family for overall family wellbeing.
- Schedule regular dates with your spouse
Never underestimate the power of a date. Ensure you schedule one with your spouse and spend quality time together away from distractions. You can do this over a weekend movie, dinner or just explore something together. Use this time for bonding and to reconnect and focus on one another. It is also vital to schedule time for each other besides the usual regular date nights. Visit each other during the day, maybe over lunch break.
Sometimes this may not be realistic but why not let a simple text do the work? Or call them after work just to stay connected even when you cannot physically be together due to work. While doing this however, ensure you are not being over protective or trying to spy on them.
There is a thin line between trying to bond this way and trying to spy on them especially if you are just coming out of a disagreement.
- Encourage open and honest communication
A saying goes, the closest distance between two people is communication. Effective communication in a relationship is vital. Honest and open communication goes a long way balancing family life and the demands of a busy work schedule.
Open communication with your spouse and children where you can discuss about your busy career and the best way to make the most out of the available time. For instance, you can make a weekly or even monthly schedule where you could set aside some time to be together with your spouse or family.
This could be a weekend camping trip or a quick dinner. Make a point to set your family expectation and fulfil your promises. These schedules will ensure you fully present with your loved ones without the constant stream of work thoughts consuming you.
This advice however cannot bear fruit if you are not ready to be honest and open with your family. Example, if you want to relocate your family but don’t know how to break the news don’t lie to them or procrastinate.
Instead seek advice on the best way to tell them as soon as possible. Remember to involve your kids if you have as this makes them feel important and part of the family. Make them know their views are mportant.
- Show love by hugs and holding hands
Sometimes it is the little things like holding hands and hugging your loved ones that completes the painting. Dedicate some time daily, or every week to spend quality time together. How about going for a walk together or spare sometime to cuddle up? This enhances togetherness.
Also, make a point of taking turns doing certain tasks together or for one another. If your spouse must focus on something more important you can handle a different thing for them like running errands. In the end you will have gotten things done faster and have ‘together time.’
Take advantage of the free time at work when you cannot be together to call them via video conference. This helps strengthen your relationship and allow you to stay connect despite your busy schedules or distance.
Plan for a time when you can be available for important activities or events. Hug, kiss, hold hands and show your loved one that you love them. This way your family or spouse can see that you care and are committed to making them a priority in your life. These are small gestures that are often ignored but are important recipe for love and strong family bonds.
- Unplug
Set aside time to be tech-free and make the best of it to bond with your family. During this time, turn off your computer or television and switch off your phone. Use the time for conversations, playing board games or just enjoy the moment with your loved ones away from technology.
Ask your family members to write down activities they would like done together, a Yes List. Put the yes lists in a jar and pull out one occasionally and participate. A yes-list every week adds some excitement on to your family fun time and helps you create some time off your busy work schedule to bond with your precious investment, family.
Conclusion
The above tips will enable you and your family to create strong bonds despite busy work schedules. It is vital to set priorities and make hard decisions that will free up time for family. Regular dates with your spouse and kids are also important, within which you can bond, reconnect and focus on each other.
Ensure you have open and honest communication and involve your kids too. Also show your family you love them whenever you are together by listening to them, hugging, cuddling and holding them. Finally, despite your busy schedules, remember to unplug regularly and do activities together with your loved ones. These few tips will keep your family closer and help create stronger bonds.