Only last summer, the American Time Use Survey released by the U.S. Department of Labor revealed that in 2017, Americans spent more time watching TV than anything else. Meanwhile, socializing and visiting with friends consumed only about 40 minutes out of 1,440 minutes per day! If the families that play together, stay together, then it’s definitely time to get out of the house more often as a group.
“Spending time together as a family takes planning, but it’s a good investment,” says Shannon Philpott-Sanders in her book Screen-Free Fun: 400 Activities for the Whole Family (Adams Media; 2018). “It doesn’t have to be complicated — with a little bit of effort, you can turn bonding time into a lifetime of funny, sweet stories and lasting memories.”
Here’s tips for making it happen:
• Take the Time to Plan
Think things through before heading out. Remember your needed essentials.
• Lower Expectations
Don’t overdo! One hour at a museum with little ones may be enough before snack and a nap is required!
• Just go!
Activities with kids don’t need to be complicated. Plan, map and go!