As the New Year gets into full swing, I came across an article in Inc. that is a nice reminder of times gone by. And how to get back to them and reconnect. Make it a GREAT 2015!!
The modern age may demand your attention through handheld devices and smartphones, but your family needs your attention from, well, you. Don’t let your phone compete for family time and instead, exercise these simple, practical and very human tips to reconnect:
Turn off your phone. Compartmentalize your life to focus your attention on what you’re doing and enjoying at that moment. If it’s work time, then enjoy working. If it’s family time, then enjoy the family!
Eat dinner together. Dinnertime is a perfect way to share your successes with each other, regroup or just catch up. Make sure to ask kids specific questions about their day. And keep the TV off.
Read with your kids. Reading not only helps you connect with your kids, but also helps build their vocabulary, increase their curiosity about life, and gets them interested in reading. They will cherish it forever.
Attend kids’ concerts and games. Kids want to see your face in the crowd. You can share their wins and help them understand their losses. These shared experiences make for great conversations over many family dinners to come.
Exercise together. Shooting some hoops, taking a walk, or just throwing or kicking a ball together while you small talk will be great for your family relationships.
Do the morning or afternoon school run. This gives you a chance to encourage your kids to have a great day, ask them how their day went, and show how proud you are of them.
Don’t forget date night! Kids are important, but so is your partner. Going out for a special night at least once a week—just the two of you—is important for reconnecting. It also shows your kids how important you are to each other.
Source: Inc. and Vantage Production LLC
