Dad’s gone to work all day. Mom’s busy with homeschooling, chores, cooking, shopping, chauffeuring and more. Everyone is exhausted at the end of the day.
Is this the typical scenario at your house?
One thing that has been on my heart for quite some time is the lack of meaningful time families are spending together — including homeschool families. As a work-at-home homeschool mom, I know that I’m spending more time with Ben than the typical working mom is able to spend with her kids. But some days I wonder . . . is our family time really that much greater than every other family in America? We are just as busy as the neighbors down the road.
So, today, I want to share some ideas for simple things you can do right now that will hopefully both increase your family time and strengthen your family bonds. 
Family Game Night
Playing games together as a family serves many purposes. First of all — it’s just plain fun! But more than that, some great things happen when families play games together. Communication, conflict resolution, and critical thinking skills all improve. Your children will also love that you have chosen to participate in something that they enjoy doing — something that many of us struggle with as parents. Need some game ideas? Here is a list of some of our favorite games.
Family Field Trips
Most homeschool moms are accustomed to taking their kids on field trips, but how often do we make a point to add Dad to the mix? I can tell you from experience that the dynamic is completely different. My husband loves going on field trips with us, and I find that these opportunities are the perfect (and sometimes only) time that he gets to be the homeschool teacher. Create a bucket list and start marking things off. If you need some inspiration, here is a huge list of field trip ideas.
Family Read Aloud Time
Again, most homeschool moms read aloud to their kids, but adding Dad to the mix accomplishes a couple of things. First of all, it often means that the TV and computer get turned off as everyone tunes in to the excitement of reading together. Also, the opportunity to discuss the plot with Dad’s input adds tremendous value to read aloud time. More than anything, it’s one more activity you can do together that is easy to implement, fun, and sets a great example for your kids (especially your teens), who may or may not enjoy reading. Need some convincing of how important this is? I included reading aloud in my article, 5 Ways to Encourage a Love for Reading.
Family Dinners
Life is busy for many (most!) of us. Homeschool moms have a lot on their plates, and so do homeschool dads, who are often the only breadwinner in the family. I know of many families where Dad works more than one job so that Mom can be home full-time. Eating dinner together as a family may be the best (and sometimes only) time a family can truly connect with each other. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to share great conversation about your day with each other. For even more fun, use these conversation starters to get everyone talking. Or you could ask your kids these questions.
Family Play Time
Get outside more. Go to the park or the pool. Shoot some hoops with the kids. Toss a baseball or kick around a soccer ball. Bring out the Lego sets, Playdoh, or craft supplies. Play with your kids more. Even Dad. These are some of the best memories you can create with your kids. Don’t miss out! You could even go on a nature hike! I have a great free printable journal your kids will enjoy!
I pray your family is richly blessed by spending more time together. Of course, there are many more ways than these to do just that. What would you add to this list?
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