Every family is different and every schedule is different. Creating a master family calendar can help you to block out family time and plan fun activities for everyone to spend time together.
Make the Calendar.
A big wall calendar is a great tool for families because it can be a visible tool for young children and easy to busy parents to read on their way in and out of the house. Assign each family member a color and write in that color or use sticky notes in that color to show their schedule. This will help everyone to keep track of everyone else. Children can help assemble the calendar and update it as they add new activities. They can also use it to count down to important dates and holidays.
Create Fun Family Dates
Older children may be resistant to family time if they think it consists of sitting around answering questions from their parents instead of spending time with their friends. Encourage them by incorporating fun activities and trips into family time. Go kayaking as a family in the summer or plan a family ski trip in the winter. Consider a trip to a local fair or a factory tour of a kid-friendly product, like Hershey Chocolate or Crayola Crayons. Make family trips something children look forward to and they’ll be more likely to want to continue planning family time in the future.
Make it Consistant
Whether its once a week or once a month, keep your promises when it comes to blocked off family time. If your goal is to have dinner together five nights out of the week, hold to that promise unless you absolutely cannot. Children learn routines easily and will accept them as an assumed part of their life if you keep to them from the beginning.
