Celebrate Work and Family Month

For National Work and Family Month, here are five tips for tackling responsibilities at work and at home while maximizing family time.

1. Get the whole family involved: Cleaning up the house, doing the dishes and managing laundry can feel like a never-ending task. Parents might get things done faster on their own, but including the kids in household chores can reduce parents’ stress, while teaching kids valuable life skills and a sense of responsibility. Bond by turning chores into a game, playing music or celebrating with a family treat afterward.
2. Be present at work and at home: Set healthy boundaries by taking time to wrap up at the end of the work day and create a clear set of tasks for the next day. If heavy traffic, a rough day or a long commute affects coming home, take a few deep breaths before entering the house or carve out 20 minutes of personal time. A healthy transition from work to home can make a difference in enjoying evening family time.
3. 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 science experiments for creative playtime. Simple things like winding down with music, or reading together at bedtime, can help the entire family decompress and ensure everyone gets enough sleep.
4. 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, sign up for school text alerts and stay organized. It is equally important to know when to turn alerts off, and not check messages or work email to be fully present and connected with family.
5. Create traditions: Don’t wait for holidays or vacations to connect. Sunday breakfast, Friday game night, mid-week treats, Saturday hikes, even conversations during carpool, can all bring the family together. Take charge of family time, slow down when necessary, say no to unnecessary commitments, and try to give the best of yourself to the people who matter most

For more tips on making the most of quality time, click here.

For more personalized advice on how to reduce stress and maximize family time, contact your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by ACI Specialty Benefits at 800.932.0034 or eapinfo@acispecialtybenefits.com.

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