Finding spare hours to have quality time with your family is a serious struggle these days.
Between work, a social life, household chores, and other “adulting” responsibilities, you might end up feeling like ships in the night when it comes to your nearest and dearest. However, even if you don’t have lots of spare time, you can still make the most of your family hangouts if you play it right. Here are some tips to feel closer and more bonded with your family even when you’re short on time.
1. Have a weekly game night.
Okay, so this might sound a bit cheesy, but hear me out. Pick one night a week when everyone commits to staying home and playing games together. It could be board games, video games, or even silly made-up games. The point is, you’re all in one place, laughing and having fun. No phones allowed! It’s a great way to unwind and connect without spending a ton of money. Plus, a little friendly competition never hurt anyone, right? Just don’t let Dad flip the Monopoly board when he lands on Mayfair again.
2. Eat dinner together as often as possible.
With everyone’s crazy schedules, it can feel impossible to get everyone at the table at the same time. But try to make it happen at least a few times a week. It doesn’t have to be a fancy meal — even takeaway pizza counts. The important thing is sitting down together, talking about your day, and just being present. No TV, no phones, just good old-fashioned conversation. You’d be surprised how much you can learn about each other over a plate of spaghetti.
3. Start a family book club.
This one’s great for families with older kids. Pick a book that everyone can read (or listen to, audiobooks count too!), and set a date to discuss it. You can take turns choosing the book, so everyone gets a chance to share something they love. It’s a cool way to explore new ideas together and maybe discover some shared interests. Plus, it gives you something to talk about besides who forgot to take out the rubbish… again.
4. Have a regular movie night.
Grab some popcorn, pile onto the couch, and have a family movie night. You can take turns picking the film, or theme it (80s night, anyone?). The best part? You can pause for bathroom breaks or snack refills without feeling guilty. And hey, if someone falls asleep halfway through, at least you’re all together, right? Just try to avoid the “what should we watch” debate that can eat up half the evening — maybe create a family watchlist in advance.
5. Cook meals together.
Source: Unsplash Turn dinner prep into family time. Get everyone involved in the cooking process — even little ones can help with simple tasks like washing veggies or stirring. It’s a great way to teach kids about healthy eating and basic cooking skills. Plus, food always tastes better when you’ve made it yourself. Just be prepared for a bit of a mess… and maybe keep the fire extinguisher handy, just in case.
6. Create a family project.
Pick something you can all work on together over time. It could be planting a garden, redecorating a room, or even planning a future holiday. Having a shared goal gives you something to talk about and work towards as a team. It’s also a great way to teach kids about responsibility and the satisfaction of seeing a project through. Who knows, maybe you’ll discover a hidden talent for interior design or become tomato-growing experts!
7. Have a tech-free day.
I know, the horror! But seriously, try setting aside one day a week (or even just a few hours) where everyone unplugs. No phones, tablets, or computers. It might be tough at first, but you’d be amazed at how much more you interact when screens aren’t in the way. Play outside, have actual face-to-face conversations, or rediscover the joy of building a pillow fort. You might even — gasp — enjoy it!
8. Exercise together.
Get the family moving! Go for a bike ride, have a dance party in the living room, or play a game of tag in the backyard. It doesn’t have to be intense — the goal is to have fun and be active together. Not only is it good for your health, but it’s also a great way to bond and burn off some energy. And let’s be honest, watching Dad try to do TikTok dances is pure comedy gold.
9. Start a family tradition.
Create something unique to your family that everyone looks forward to. It could be pancakes every Sunday morning, an annual camping trip, or even a silly holiday you make up. These traditions become the memories your kids will cherish (and probably embarrass them with stories about when they’re older). The weirder and more specific to your family, the better!
10. Volunteer together.
Find a cause you all care about and volunteer as a family. It could be at a local animal shelter, food bank, or community clean-up. It’s a great way to spend time together while also giving back to your community. Plus, it teaches kids the importance of helping people. And who knows, maybe you’ll find a new family passion or meet some great people along the way.
11. Have a “yes” day.
Okay, this one requires some bravery. Pick a day when (within reason and budget) you say “yes” to what your kids want to do. Ice cream for breakfast? Sure! Build a blanket fort in the living room? Go for it! It might lead to some chaos, but it’ll definitely create memories. Just maybe set some ground rules first… and hide the car keys, just in case.
12. Create a family bucket list.
Sit down together and make a list of things you all want to do or achieve as a family. It could include big things like visiting Disneyland, or smaller goals like trying every flavour at the local ice cream shop. Having a shared list of adventures to look forward to can be really exciting. Plus, crossing items off together is super satisfying. Just don’t put “clean the garage” on there… no one’s falling for that one.
13. Have a regular check-in.
Source: Unsplash Set aside time each week for everyone to share how they’re doing. It could be during dinner, before bed, or whenever works for your family. Each person gets a chance to talk about their highs and lows, any problems they’re facing, or just what’s on their mind. It’s a great way to stay connected and make sure everyone feels heard. And hey, you might learn that your teenager actually does more than grunt one-word answers!
14. Create a family photo project.
Source: Unsplash These days, we take tons of photos, but rarely do anything with them. Start a family project to organise and display your memories. It could be a physical photo album, a digital slideshow, or even a family Instagram account. Get everyone involved in choosing photos and telling the stories behind them. It’s a fun way to relive good times together and create a lasting record of your family’s adventures. Just try not to argue too much about who looks better in which photo!
