Downtime is Family Time!

The weekend’s here! Typically I don’t do lengthy, profound posts on Saturdays and Sundays because people are typically in a different mode – more family time and less computer time. But it’s good to chime in briefly and share a few thoughts.

Today, our family had plans to go to the beach. I know that for many of you, going to the beach in mid-December is the last thing on your “wintery” agenda. But I live in South Florida so, though it does get cold at times, it’s normally in the mid 70s and 80s at this time. We had our beach plans but then came the dark clouds and then came the rain. So our plans have changed. Now, we’ll likely just play board games or watch movies or something - which isn’t bad actually. I mean, Chutes and Ladders is an all-time classic!

During the week, things become so intense at times that it’s easy to see each other in passing – on the way to school, or to work, or to a meeting. Then at the end of the day, when everyone’s exhausted, that’s the time for quality time. That’s not really ideal but in a sense it’s par for the course – each household member has a normal routine which requires balance. All work is no good. Family time is good but then we also have to make a living. Balance is the key to it all.

In our family, I think we’ve created a good system of work/school week productivity and weekend family time. We try to set aside a special time on the weekends – normally Friday nights – where we turn of f the cell phones and really connect with each other. That time is so precious. It’s the time that we grow together and get to know each other more. Activities such as playing games at home or going to the park or the beach are what we like to do. Going fishing or to the local zoo or children’s museum or seeing athletic events are pretty special as well.

By engaging in these activities, we create memorable moments that our kids will never forget. Our daughter is 12 and our son is 1/3 (as in 4 months old!). They’re soaking up every minute that we do something together. It doesn’t have to be a costly exercise for it to be special – some of the best things in life are free. The love that we share is invaluable – yet it’s free. Isn’t it great when we can just relax and take it easy, spending quality time and building relationships with the ones we love?

As I type this, the weather outside is frightful (there’s a thunderstorm). But in the home it’s so delightful. And since we’ve no place to go, let love show, let it show, let it show!

(If these couple of sentences sound odd to you, they’re just a play on words from a Christmas song.)

Have fun this weekend. And make some special time for your loved ones. If you’re shopping, then shop away and have a ball. If it’s some other activity, enjoy it. Whatever you do, try to make some special holiday memories with the ones you love. Such memories are simply priceless.

Enjoy your day!

The Upbeat Dad