The Importance of Prioritizing Time as a Family - Part 3
 
Stephen Covey, EdD  
 
We struggle to balance our career responsibilities with the time our families need during the week, and on the weekend, too.
 
How to restore the boundaries and find balance between work and family?

 

The next 3 days, we'll look at a Three-step strategy for prioritizing our family time.

 

2. Break out time for family activities. Ask any adult what his/her favorite memories are, and chances are those memories will be of time spent with family. 
 
In addition to being enjoyable, such experiences form what we call an emotional bank account. They are shared memories from which each family member can draw for the rest of their lives.
 
But like any important mission in our busy worlds, you must set aside time to work on it or it isn't likely to take place. The time commitment alone tells children that family, and the time spent with family, are important. 
 
Set aside a specific time each week to spend together as a family. Successful family time has four ingredients:
 
  *  Planning
  *  Teaching
  *  Problem solving
  *  Having fun
 
Try to include all four of these ingredients during the time your family spends together.
 
Example: When we get together for our family time, we review our upcoming family events calendar, discuss issues and make decisions.
 
Often, we'll have a talent show so our grandkids can show us how their dance and music lessons are coming along. Then we'll have a short sharing session about something informative, such as a recently read book, and then perhaps play a board game. We serve special refreshments, too.
 
Of course, family time doesn't have to be that involved, especially at first. Start out with something as simple as having a weekly family meal in a restaurant.

 

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