Family time is precious time!

Family Time Isn't Just for Fun — It Also Has Some Serious positive Benefits for all.

Chatsworth House Gardens - December 2017 - Image: Copyrighted © Darren Claxton2017

As much as I love music and creating songs, I’m firstly, a proud father with a beautiful family. I have one of each brand, with their own unique quirkiness and personality. My eldest and most favourite son is 8 years old, very academic and a very well rounded soul, just like his mum. My youngest and most favourite daughter is full of life, bossy, a diva, extremely assertive and hilariously funny! Possibly just like me. So, I’d like to share some of my thoughts on family life and the most important things we can do to strengthen the bond with our children...Spending time with them.

At home in the garden – summer 2017

I love my family unconditionally and spend so much time and effort trying to make money to provide them with a comfortable lifestyle that sometimes, I forget that giving my children my time is more valuable and important than buying them the latest gadgets, technology and trendy new clothes. For those of you with older kids, you'd be pretty hard-pressed to get them to admit - that they would like more attention and time from their parents and siblings. A good solid family unit and home life can have seriously positive benefits for all involved.

It can build self-esteem and assertiveness in children

Children who spend time with their parents actively participating in activities together can build a positive sense of self-worth and belongingness. When children feel that they are valued and appreciated by their parents, they in turn , feel more confident and positive about themselves. Family activities don't have to cost a small fortune, be overly expensive or luxurious to be meaningful. We have been members of the National Trust here in England for the past 2 years and have enjoyed some unforgettable days out as a family! We have all learnt so much more about our history and ancestry by visiting stately homes and gardens, which costs us just £9.55 per month as a family! We take a weekly walk together up to the woods (weather permitting) play a game of football at the park and even go treasure hunting (for pennies) with our metal detector! The common thing in all of these activities is, just being together, spending quality time and enjoying each others company.

It strengthens our family bond

Families who share everyday activities together as well as share holidays or daily trips as a group form strong, emotional ties. Studies have found that families who enjoy group activities together share a stronger emotional bond as well as an ability to adapt well to situations as a family. Share your favourite hobbies, sports, books, movies or other activities and build strong family ties for life. Children and adolescents who spend more time with their parents are less likely to experiment with substances like illegal drugs, cigarettes, alcohol and tobacco. Kids who frequently eat with their families also usually have improved dietary intake compared to those who don't eat as often with family members.

Christmas day 2017

It creates happy memories.

Family time creates warm memories for parents and children alike. Children with happy family memories are more likely to create a loving environment for their own children when they grow up. Learning to work and play as a family unit is one of the best lessons children can be taught so they can develop into competent adults and parents.

Flamborough Head – August 2017

Chatsworth House June 2017

It helps parents and children reconnect

Spending time together as a family helps busy parents reconnect with their children. Children tend to share more information about their lives while enjoying an activity with you rather than when you ask them "What did you do today?" It is also a time when life lessons, like sharing, fairness and compassion, can be reinforced without conflict. Children grow and change quickly, so family time is a wonderful time to get to know your child better.
Thanks for reading this post.

Darren.

I was inspired to write this after reading an article online: http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/831061/5-reasons-family-time-rocks