Family time vital for kids!

Screen Shot 2014-01-23 at 9.56.30 AMSpending time together as a family creates a strong emotional bond. Even the simplest of activities can go a long way when it comes to building a better family connection. Quality family time is fun, sure, but it also leads to things like…

…Families getting closer! Whether it’s a big family weekend outing or even an inexpensive or free activity like playing catch or planting flowers, spending quality time with the family helps you grow closer as a family unit.

…Kids getting smarter! The academic success of your kids hinges on YOUR ability to guide and interact with them. When a mom or dad doles out tutelage during a child’s academic years, that child is far more likely to excel cognitively in the future. This means spending time with your son or daughter leads to better grades and eventually a better job.

…Kids getting nicer! Studies have shown that children who discuss issues with parents tend to have fewer behavioral problems. The two-way communication that naturally takes place while spending time with another human being is especially important when it comes to child development. When children have a closer relationship with parents, they are far less likely to act out in a negative way. The conversations that arise have the ability to reduce your child’s feelings of anxiety and anger, which are the typical impetuses of negative behavior.

…Kids forgetting drugs and alcohol! Perhaps most importantly to many parents, a child who has the benefit of spending more time with family is far less likely to abuse drugs and/or alcohol. Youths that have parental stability will have less desire to seek out illicit substances for comfort.

Although, ideally, your busyness won’t impact the business of your family connection, the fact of the matter is it does for most of us. Finding the time for quality time is hard. So, if you need some advice, here are four words you to remember: Whispering. Pines. Family. Farm.

Now, click here to see how these four words could change your family forever.