5 Tips for Modern Families

September 28, 2015      |      Posted on Posted in Total Well-Being
5 Tips for Modern Families

Today’s families come in all shapes and sizes, and look much different than the nuclear family unit of the past. Parents, kids, roommates, grandparents, stepsiblings, caretakers and pets may all be considered family members and live in the same house.

Between work, home and the rest of life, modern families face many responsibilities. Here are five tips for families to work together and thrive:

  1. Kids are never too young to help
    Get the whole family involved in meal planning, house cleaning, chores and running errands. Kids can help cook, clear the table, pick up toys and feed pets. Outings are more fun for everyone when kids can help complete ‘special assignments’ at the grocery store or mall.
  2. Work as a team
    Whether your family is comprised of two people or six, divvy up the day-to-day responsibilities of running a household based on each person’s strengths and availability. Designate a team leader (or rotate turns) to deal with any issues or surprises that may arise.
  3. Be present at work and at home
    Many people feel like they are shortchanging career or family by trying to do it all. But it is possible to be devoted to both. Take time to wrap up at the end of the work day and create a clear set of tasks for the next day. This trick helps clear the mind of mental to-dos and allows more focused attention for quality time with the family.
  4. Find balance together
    Make well-being a family endeavor. Cook and eat healthy meals, take a walk or ride bikes together, do art projects or fun science experiments for creative playtime, and wind down with reading or music at bedtime to ensure everyone gets enough sleep.
  5. Enlist technology
    Thanks to the Internet and mobile devices, it’s now easier than ever to stay on top of the whole family’s activities. Look for apps to sync calendars, share photos, plan parties, schedule carpools, monitor TV time and keep in touch 24/7, no matter how far-flung everyone is.

How does your family make it work? Share tips with us on Twitter. @ACIBenefits

ACI Specialty Benefits provides a contemporary and confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including benefits and perks that alleviate stress and help employees and families thrive. Contact 800.932.0034 or eapinfo@acispecialtybenefits.com to get started!