The Importance of Family Time

Today I wanted to share a post with you about the importance of family time with your partner or family. I have been so busy working on my laptop lately, writing blogs and other “must-do stuff” for my online business, that I have been neglecting my husband and this beautiful Mexican sunshine that we are blessed with.

Today, I let him talk me into going to the community pool, which is two minutes away, and within walking distance of our place in Puerto Morelos, Mexico. I have to admit, it didn’t take much convincing.

Quickly changing into our suits, we grabbed towels, suntan lotion, sunglasses, and my Kobo and dashed out the door before I could change my mind!

This pool is very large and tends to be busy with young families, especially in the late afternoon and early evening. However, this was late morning, and no one was there. It was like having our very own private pool. The water was warm and the sun was shining; it was pure bliss.

After an hour of swimming and luxuriously soaking up the sun, we changed and then took a leisurely walk to get some fresh fish from one of the small local fish places. The fish is always fresh and reasonably priced.

Evening Dinner

To round off the day, not in the mood to cook, we decided to go out for dinner to one of the local restaurants within walking distance. After our peaceful afternoon, neither one of us felt like hopping on a bus or taxi to go to one of the popular ones down on the beach.

Several restaurants were recommended to us, and we chose El Picudo, a little seafood restaurant located at Avenida Joaquín Zetina Gasca, 77580 Puerto Morelos. It is definitely worth checking out if you are this way.

When we first arrived, we were served a large basket of nacho-style chips and a refried bean dip. The server who waited on us was very polite and spoke some English. We both ordered shrimp dishes: the Brocheta de Camarones (skewered shrimp) and the Camarones al Ajillo (garlic shrimp), topped off with cold, delicious coco (coconut) ice cream, and of course, Cerveza (beer). Delicious!  The service was excellent.

 

The restaurant is small, with green plastic tablecloths and lots of wall décor—mostly drawings of various fish. It is rather unpretentious, and we liked it. At that moment, it wasn’t very busy, but we had heard that everyone loves dining there, and it usually comes alive between 6 and 8 p.m.

For us, it was the perfect, quiet ending to a perfect day. We spent the rest of the evening watching a little NHL hockey and reading. All in all, it was a relaxing day!

Being Grateful

Thanks to my husband for reminding me that I needed to take a break—that “we” needed to take a break—and the importance of quality family time. We both have online businesses and it is so easy to tune each other out and grind the day away with work. It’s important to realize that work sometimes needs to take a ‘backseat’ to the people in our lives.

We spend about 6 months of the year house sitting for other people. Thankfully, this provides us with lots of opportunities to create alone time for both of us.

Importance of Spending Family Time

Whether it is just you and your spouse or a family, spending quality time together is important for several reasons.

FOR COUPLES

 

Strengthening the bond:

Quality time allows you and your spouse to connect on a deeper level. It provides an opportunity to share experiences, thoughts, and emotions, which strengthens the emotional bond between you. This bond forms the foundation of a healthy and fulfilling relationship.

Communication and understanding:

Spending time together allows for effective communication. It provides an opportunity to listen, express your thoughts and feelings, and understand each other’s perspectives. Regular quality time enhances your ability to communicate openly and honestly, resolving conflicts and preventing misunderstandings.

Building intimacy:

Intimacy is more than just physical closeness; it involves emotional, intellectual, and spiritual connections. By spending quality time together, you create an environment that fosters intimacy. Engaging in meaningful conversations, engaging in shared activities, and simply being present for one another contribute to deepening the emotional and physical intimacy in your relationship.

Rediscovering and maintaining common interests:

Spending time with your spouse allows you to engage in activities you both enjoy. It allows you to explore new hobbies or revisit old ones, which can be exciting and revitalizing for your relationship. Sharing common interests strengthens the bond and helps you maintain a sense of shared purpose.

Stress relief and relaxation:

Spending quality time with your spouse can provide a break from the stresses and demands of daily life. It allows you to unwind, have fun, and enjoy each other’s company. This can help reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being, benefiting both individuals and the relationship.

Prioritizing the relationship:

In the business of life, it’s easy for the relationship with your spouse to take a backseat. However, by intentionally setting aside quality time, you demonstrate that your relationship is a priority. It shows your commitment to nurturing and investing in your partnership, which is essential for its long-term health and happiness.

FOR FAMILIES

 

Spending quality family time is incredibly important for several reasons. It strengthens the bonds between family members, provides a supportive and nurturing environment, and contributes to the overall well-being and happiness of individuals. Here are some key reasons why spending quality family time is significant.

Building Strong Relationships:

Regular family time allows family members to connect, communicate, and build stronger relationships. Spending time together helps family members understand each other better, build trust, and develop a sense of belonging. This closeness is vital for fostering a supportive and loving family environment.

Emotional Well-being:

Family time provides an opportunity for emotional support and validation. Sharing experiences, discussing feelings, and engaging in activities together can help family members feel understood, cared for, and emotionally secure. This emotional support is essential for individuals’ well-being, especially during challenging times.

Creating Lasting Memories through Family Time:

Quality family time creates cherished memories that can be cherished for a lifetime. Whether it’s through shared vacations, game nights, or simply engaging in meaningful conversations, these experiences become part of a family’s collective narrative and strengthen the family’s identity and history.

Positive Influence and Role Modeling:

Spending quality time with family allows parents and other family members to serve as positive role models. Through regular interactions, family members can teach important values, beliefs, and behaviours to younger members, helping shape their character and instilling important life skills.

Communication and Conflict Resolution:

Regular family time provides a platform for open and effective communication. It encourages family members to express their thoughts, concerns, and desires, fostering healthy communication patterns. Additionally, when conflicts arise, quality family time offers an opportunity to address and resolve issues constructively, teaching problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.

Academic and Social Development:

Family time can positively impact children’s academic and social development. Engaging in activities such as reading together, helping with homework, or participating in educational outings can enhance children’s learning and intellectual growth. Moreover, regular family interactions contribute to the development of social skills, empathy, and cooperation.

Stress Reduction:

Spending quality time with family can be a great stress reliever. It provides an opportunity to disconnect from work, school, and other obligations, allowing family members to relax and rejuvenate. Engaging in enjoyable activities together, such as playing games or going for a walk, can promote laughter, reduce stress levels, and improve overall well-being.

Conclusion

Remember, quality time for couples doesn’t necessarily mean extravagant or lengthy activities. It’s about strengthening bonds, communicating, building intimacy, sharing a genuine connection, relieving release, relaxing, and prioritizing your relationship.

Spending quality family time is equally important for nurturing strong relationships,  fostering emotional well-being, creating lasting memories, and providing positive role models. It’s also essential for promoting communication and conflict-resolution skills, supporting academic and social development, and reducing stress.

Making family time a priority contributes to a happier, healthier, and more connected family unit.

Do you sometimes have someone in your life feeling the need to drag you away from your work and just chill? Do you feel guilty or refreshed and is family time important to you?