Making time for the family

As an educational consultant, I often talk with parents, teachers, and caregivers about the best ways to support children’s growth and development. One topic that always seems to come up is the challenge of balancing the demands of work, school, extracurricular activities, and, of course, family life. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and forget that some of the most meaningful and impactful moments in a child’s life happen outside of the classroom and structured routines.

So, how do we make time for what truly matters: our families?

The Power of Family Time

We all know that spending quality time with family is important. But in the rush to manage everything, it can often feel like family time takes a backseat. The reality is, children thrive when they feel connected, supported, and loved—not just through academic achievement or extracurricular success, but through the relationships they build at home. Family time provides the foundation for emotional well-being, resilience, and a strong sense of identity.

Studies have shown that children who spend quality time with their families tend to perform better academically, have stronger social skills, and develop healthier coping strategies for dealing with stress. In fact, simple family routines—whether it’s a bedtime story, a shared meal, or weekend outings—are powerful building blocks for their development.

Family Time Isn’t Just About Quantity—It’s About Quality

The idea of "family time" doesn’t have to mean hours of uninterrupted togetherness (though, of course, those are special too!). What’s more important is how meaningful and engaged the time is. In our busy lives, it can be easy to be physically present with our families but mentally elsewhere—checking emails, scrolling through social media, or rushing through dinner.

Here are a few ways to make the most of the time you have:

1. Put Away Distractions
   When you’re with your family, try to be fully present. This means setting aside phones, work tasks, and other distractions. You don’t need hours of focused time—sometimes 20 minutes of quality, uninterrupted attention can make a world of difference.

2. Create Family Rituals
   Consistency is key. Children feel secure when they know there are regular times dedicated to family, whether it’s a weekly movie night, a Sunday morning breakfast together, or a nightly routine of reading before bed. Rituals help children feel connected to their family and offer a sense of predictability in an otherwise chaotic world.

3. Be Flexible with Your Schedule
   Balancing family, work, and school commitments is no easy task, but flexibility is crucial. Family time doesn’t always have to happen on a weekend or during vacation time. It might look like a quick walk after school, playing a board game before bedtime, or even cooking dinner together. Be open to opportunities for connection, even in the midst of busyness.

4. Focus on Shared Interests
   Family time is most enjoyable when it’s something everyone enjoys. If your child loves art, set up a family painting session. If they’re into sports, shoot hoops together or go on a bike ride. When everyone is engaged, it strengthens the bond and makes the experience feel even more rewarding.

As an educational consultant, I am passionate about helping families and educators create environments that support the academic and emotional growth of children. I specialize in working with parents to build balanced, nurturing routines that promote learning at home and foster positive family connections.