Is Your Busy Life Leaving Your Family Behind?

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Are you leaving your family behind because you are so busy? I mean, after all, you are a wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend, entrepreneur, business owner, co-worker, employee, employer, taxi, coach and pet sitter. Who can blame anyone for trying to find time to worry about finding time?

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Skip to the 8 Tips To Not Be So Busy. Or Skip to the 18 Tips To Spend Quality Time With Your Family.
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I’m reminded, way too many times, that my busyness affects the family. Here’s how it goes; I’m chugging along, getting so many important things done. My to do list is getting shorter. I’m volunteering everywhere. I’m so proud. I’m accomplishing so much. I’m with a friend. Sharing how great everything is going. Maybe even gloating that I can do so much! Then my kids say, but you haven’t done anything with us lately. I thought we were going to work on that project. You don’t play games with us. You’re always at your computer. Ouch!! And Ooops! Did I forget I have a family. Again?

But I have a Type A, Powerful Choleric personality. I’m sorry, that’s just the way I am. I have so much to do, and I will get it done. Sorry about the war path I left behind.

NO! Not a good excuse. Actually there is no good excuse for leaving your family behind. They are priority. If not, then why did you decide to have a family?

There is a time for you and me to accomplish all of those things. But family is first. Have you heard of the statement, God-Family-Business. There’s a reason for that. It’s to work on what matters first in our lives. Business includes anything that is work. Including house work, work work, friends and so on.

Have you seen the news lately? Have you heard about all the broken families? Do you notice all the hurting children and teens?

God-Family-Business

It’s there to help you be content and happy. It’s there so your children don’t get left behind. It’s there so your husband knows he still matters in your life.

Our families deserve our best and first. They need us. They need the family unit to be strong and dependable. Our children need to know that they have a place to turn to. Not worrying about bothering you because you are too busy for them. They need to be able to trust and turn to you, because you are available for them.

Out of the Family part of that equation. Your spouse comes before your children. I know that seems hard, but it’s necessary to build that strong family unit. Your children need to see that your marriage matters. That you have a solid relationship with your husband. When they see that you have respect and love for each other, they feel confident in the family.

So stop what you’re doing, reevaluate your priorities to include your family. Build a strong family. Show the world how it’s done. Let’s make a difference. Let’s care for our families!

[title type=”fancy-h4″ color=””]8 Tips To Not Be So Busy[/title]

1. Being too busy is a choice. You are in charge.
2. Schedule your week using a planner.
3. Schedule family time. Nothing else should get in the way of family time unless a true emergency.
4. List out your priorities with God being first then your family, then schedule all other things around that.
5. If something is not inline with your family or goals, leave it for another time. It may just be a time waster trying to steal your family.
6. Use the word No! If someone asks you to do something, only agree if you have time and its inline with your goals, family and schedule. A great book on learning to say no is Boundaries. I love this book.
7. Schedule time for thinking and creating your schedule.
8. Be intentional! About your time, watching TV, checking emails, spending time online, talking on phone.

[title type=”fancy-h4″ color=””]18 Tips To Spend Quality Time With Your Family[/title]

1. Schedule date time with your kids and spouse.
2. Eat together.
3. Plan small family trips. Monthly excursions or adventures.
4. Be available as much as possible. Your kids, especially teens need your attention more than you realize.
5. Play games together, with nothing else calling for your attention (put electronic devices away).
6. Cook meals together.
7. Do laundry together.
8. If it’s in your budget, hire outside help for chores so you can spend time with your children or spouse.
9. Put the phone down!
10. Create new traditions: Game night, Sunday Brunch, International night, Show and Tell, Craft Day.
11. Read together. Let your kids read to you too, give them your undivided attention.
12. Fix things together. Great for dads and kids.
13. After dinner walks! I really like this one. Great conversations happen on walks.
14. Leave a message for your child our spouse. Write out a little note, leave an audio message on their phone or iPod.
15. Share family stories. Tell about past family legends or relatives. Create a passion for your family. Build a legacy. Start a book to keep track of all these stories for your children to always have.
16. Have breakfast with your spouse.
17. Exercise together.
18. Get away with your spouse a few times a year. Undivided attention is required at these getaways.

Don’t be too busy to serve your purpose! It doesn’t matter if your purpose is being a wife, a mother, in missions, creating the latest invention, helping people. Whatever it is, live your life on purpose, be in control and be intentional.

Your family depends on it!

Photo Credit: (c) Can Stock Photo