Fairview

Ms Kerrie Neophytou

Family Time

What is family time?  How do you manage family time?  Do you need family time?

We would all respond to these questions differently. There are no right or wrong answers, but there is a consensus. Family time is when you bring your entire immediate family together to share and talk. It can be over dinner, during a bedtime story, while playing in the back yard, an outing to the Zoo etc. There are essential pre-requisites; you need to listen to each other, share experiences, do not rush the conversation, make eye contact and ensure all present have the opportunity to reciprocate.

Ensure the language is age appropriate and the behaviour sets an example and models what is expected. With a busy timetable; talking, sharing and planning family activities can be difficult. Family time is an essential time which unites a family; it provides an expectation that the family comes together on a regular basis (e.g. Wednesday night could be pizza night) and all family members are home for dinner. Planning this now is crucial, we do not wait for the time we feel we need to regain contact with the family because the children are now teenagers and busy! 

Regulating our daily routine and demands is imperative, as it isolates what is important and makes it a priority. We may not always be able to sit at the dinner table together, but when we do, there should be no devices on the dinner table. By putting the devices away, we are identifying what is important and spending this time with family. The email and SMS will still be there, however, family time is becoming precious. Finding a balance is extremely difficult and we should not feel guilty if we struggle with balancing the demands of family and work life. It takes time and practice to identify the needs of our family.

The website below has some family activity ideas if you want to plan a special family outing; however, a picnic at your local park is just as special!

https://www.visitvictoria.com/Regions/Melbourne/Things-to-do/Family.aspx