Bringing Back Family Time
By Stephen R. Farris
As a parent, and now a grandparent, nothing irritates me more than trying to talk to one of the kids and the first place they turn their head is toward the television. It doesn't matter their age either, as most recently my grown son of 32 did this to me while trying to talk to him.
Over the years -- or decades, take your pick -- the problem has gotten worse, especially with all of the devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktop computers. Look inside any home today and you'll find that instead of interacting with each other, families are more focused on those big or tiny screens in front of them.
Whether we like it or not, those screens are now a part of our lives each and every day. It's not always a bad thing, I mean there are educational programs and activities kids can do and learn from, even adults can benefit as well. But the importance of good old family time seems to be disappearing.
So in order to "save" our families -- so to speak -- we should implement a few changes every now and then. Nothing too drastic, but just enough to have a little quality time together.
Ditch the TV as Center of Attention
Most every living room in America is built around the television as the centerpiece of the room. If this describes your living room, then maybe it's time to do a little rearranging. A lot of people are doing it these days. Some even hide the TV in a cabinet or enclosure on the wall.
What's That Keeping Me Awake
The answer could be your smartphone, tablet or computer. It may even be a TV. Teens these days are losing sleep thanks in part to devices in the bedroom, as well as adults. Maybe it's time to check those devices at the door before going to bed. After all, isn't the only thing that's supposed to be in a bedroom is a bed and to get some sleep?
Bring Back Family Time
Check out your local big box store to see what kind of board games they carry. Two or three different ones would be great to keep around the house and you can set times for family game night at least once or twice a week. If you have toddlers and preteens, keep crayons, markers and other types of crafts handy. You can start a family craft night, plus those cute creations will be treasured memories for everyone.
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