4 Tips to Make the Most of Quality Time

June 14, 2017      |      Posted on Posted in Total Well-Being
4 Tips to Make the Most of Quality Time

For many working parents, spending quality time with kids is a top priority, especially during the summer months when kids are out of school and longing to do fun things. Although it can be hard to find that quality time amid an 8-hour workday and mounting responsibilities at home, there are plenty of creative ways to maximize family time together. Here are some fun ideas to bring quality family time into daily activities:

  1. Chores and errands: Young children love to help parents around the house when chores are presented as a fun activity. Play some music, turn chores into games, or offer a little reward or incentive after everything is complete. Kids can help with washing cars, unloading the dishwasher, putting away groceries, folding laundry, and straightening up their room and toys. Try making a dinner menu for the week and turn grocery shopping into a scavenger hunt.
  2. Exercise: Instead of going to the gym, spend time exercising with the kids. Play tag or Frisbee, learn racquetball, shoot hoops, ride bikes or take kids to the park to go on the monkey bars and run around. Summer is also the perfect season to spend quality family time by the water, enjoying the great outdoors.
  3. Dinner time: Cooking for a family can feel like a chore, but to a child, it can be a special time to be together. Let kids help make dinner, no matter how messy or time-consuming it may be. No matter what their age, most kids will appreciate being included in the cooking process, will enjoy the creativity, and will learn a valuable life skill. And for an added bonus, the family can enjoy eating a fresh, delicious meal together.
  4. Bedtime routine: Spend a little extra time before bed together. Carve out time between TV, dinner, and bed to really focus on having a conversation. As the distractions of a busy day subside, kids are often more open to talking and connecting after dinner. Read together, tell stories, ask interesting questions, or play a family game before everyone goes to bed.

For personalized advice on balancing family, work and life, click here, or contact your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by ACI Specialty Benefits at 800.932.0034 or eapinfo@acispecialtybenefits.com.

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