With working parents and activities, finding time to be together as a family is challenging.
With working parents and extracurricular activities, finding time to be together as a family is a challenge. Being creative and staying focused ensures you have the maximum family time.


As a working parent, I know how hard it is to find time to be together as a family. My husband and I work opposite schedules to make sure one of us is always with the kids. Unfortunately, that means a lot less time together as a unit.

I want my children to look back with happy memories of times that we spent together as a family. Family time has become a focus, and I've found simple ways to increase it. Here's how:

1. Plan It Out.

I once scoffed and laughed at those who scheduled family time in their calendars. How hard could it be to find time together? Now, I understand. Posting a calendar of each month on the refrigerator allows everyone to see the days that we pencil off to be together. It is harder some seasons, like when soccer is in full swing, but it's worth the trouble.

Related: Our Kids' Hectic Schedules: Enough Is Enough

2. Save One Day a Week.

Hopefully, there is one day a week you can save for family time. For us, Sundays are that day. We can go to church together. Unless the task is important, I push everything else off for the day. We might go to the lake or just spend the day together. If you work rotating shifts, finding a set day is hard, but try to find at least one or two per month.

3. Make a Seasonal Bucket List.

I love lists. Each season, I try to make a bucket list of things we want to do. Our summer bucket list includes things like going to an amusement park, renting a cabin, swimming once a week, and roasting marshmallows at least five times! For the fall, we include painting pumpkins, going to at least two fall festivals, and finding a corn maze to go through.

Related: Top 10 Free Summer Activities for Your Family

4. Set Aside a Few Hours Each Week.

Aside from the seasonal tasks and one set day a week, I also pick a night each week that works for everyone in the family. We have dinner together, which the kids typically pick and help cook. Then, we either snuggle up and watch a movie or pick a few board games from our collection to play.

It may only take two or three hours, but the kids look forward to the time together. Make sure you put away your phone and work as well! No distractions from your family!

Maximizing family time can seem hard, but it's worth the effort. Kids and parents experience better relationships when the time is spent together. How do you increase your family time?