Family time is important for children
By Guest Columnist Paige Atkinson
The thought of family time may cause anxiety, guilt, or remorse for some, while, for others, it may bring back memorable moments and loads of laughter. As parents, we all feel the responsibility to disciple our children. With all of our other daily responsibilities of life, sometimes we are just doing good as parents to make sure our children are fed, schooled and have shoes on both feet. However, it is so important to have a consistent routine of creating intentional family time moments to help your family deepen their relationships and to have those all-important faith discussions. While the thought of adding a “boring-painstaking-family-bible-reading-scream-filled-event” to an already hectic schedule is probably the last thing you want to hear, it is good to know that it really does not have to be that hard.
First, we must ask the question “why is family time important?” Family time creates a safe environment where children can feel accepted and valued for who they are. It also communicates availability and fosters a sense a security by establishing a solid home base. Quality family time, in addition, is essential to the process of family bonding and is the stuff of which relationships are made.
None of this happens automatically, of course. It is entirely possible for a family to spend lots of time together and come away the worse for it. This is especially true if the interactions are marred by constant strife, anxiety or stress. The key to success, Focus on the Family points out, is intentionality, which means making up your mind to be present in the moment and to make the most of every circumstance.
Secondly, we must answer the question “how do we do family time?” To make family time a priority, it may mean changing up your schedule. That’s okay! Do not worry about what others might think as you etch out space and create boundaries for your family. Meanwhile, as Focus on the Family also points out, “do not forget to take full advantage of those simple everyday interactions such as drive time, mealtime, bath time and bedtime, as they can all become opportunities for shared discoveries and precious, unforeseen, unique conversations between parent and child. It is a matter of learning to savor life’s ordinary moments.”
Most children find just as much joy, if not more, in the little things of life as they do in the big. Focus on the Family shares that activities such as “eating a special breakfast of chocolate-chip pancakes, picking out the perfect backpack for the first day of school, singing silly songs in the car, going shopping together, or just staying up late chatting could turn out to be some of the most memorable highlights of your children’s childhood years.”
The more family time we create, the more opportunities we have to make a difference in the lives of our family and children.
Need a book recommendation? 52 Creative Family Time Experiences by Tim Smith.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Paige Atkinson is the elementary director at Morrison Heights Baptist Church. She has been in children’s ministry for over twenty-five years and is pursuing a Master of Arts in discipleship and family ministry. Information adapted from Focus on the Family and Homepointe’s Faith Path.
