Tips for Spending More Time with Family

Tips for Spending More Time with Family

• Introduction to family time
• Why spend more time with family?
• Tips for spending more time with family
  • Make your exercise routine a family exercise routine
  • Make some family routines or rituals
  • Spend quality time with children
  • Balance time between work and the family
  • Take time to show the kids affection
  • Spend time with or keep in touch with extended family members

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Spending time with the family doing enjoyable things together contributes to emotional health and wellbeing, but the past several decades have seen considerable changes in the ways and amount of time Australian families spend together. New challenges such as increased female employment and dual-income families, greater mobility, and the development of new communication technologies such as the internet and mobile phones have all contributed. These changes may mean that some people do not spend enough time with their family members. If a person has resolved to increase family time, it is important that a conscious strategy on how to achieve this is developed.

exercise every day, and time spent exercising can also be time spent with the family. For example, try taking the kids (and the dog) to the park, having a game of cricket in the backyard, or planning a day of outdoor activity on the weekend.

For more information, see Getting More Exercise.

Health in the New Year. For more information on various aspects of parenting, see Parenting.

 

Reference

1. Baxter J, Gray M, Hayes A. A snapshot of how Australian families spend their time [online]. Australian Institute of Family Studies. 25 November 2009 [cited 17 December 2009]. Available from URL: http://www.aifs.gov.au/ institute/ pubs/ snapshots/ familytime.html
2. Fun ways to get moving [online]. Population Health Devision, Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. 10 November 2008 [cited 13 December 2009]. Available from URL: http://www.health.gov.au/ internet/ healthyactive/ publishing.nsf/ Content/ fun
3. Fiese BH, Tomcho TJ, Douglas M, Josephs K, Poltrock S, Baker T. A review of 50 years of research on naturally occurring family routines and rituals: cause for celebration? J Fam Psychol. 2002; 16(4): 381-90.
4. Parents: Tips for raising safe and healthy kids [online]. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 30 December 2008 [cited 17 December 2009]. Available from URL: http://www.cdc.gov/ family/ parenttips/ index.htm

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Article Dates:

Modified: 24/9/2010

Created: 22/12/2009

Tips for Spending More Time with Family