In contrast to Tip #20 – Plan Family Time, it’s also important to plan time for everyone to be by themselves now and again. Depending on your family dynamics this tip may deserve more or less time each day. Or it may only be required every few days. No matter the timing, every family will benefit if each family member has time to themselves.
Alone time can be tricky when a family of five is packed into one RV or hotel room. The more tricky the situation, the more the need to be creative. Below are 4 quick suggestion on how to help each member get some time to just be themselves. Some may seem rather basic, but when stress levels rise, sometimes even the most obvious things need repeating.
- The most obvious for parents is to trade off taking care of the children while the other parent goes for a walk, to the gym, a drive or just sits by the pool or cafe down the street. Sometimes this can be planned and sometimes it’s rather obvious one needs the time alone more than the other.
- Make sure there are ample books on hand for each reading level. Sometimes just the quiet of all family members reading gives the feel of separation and aloneness.
- If there is no safe place for small children to go, an overall family ‘quiet time’ will often work well to give young ones the permission to play or read by themselves.
- If your children are of the age where you are trusting them to head out on their own at home, give them a cell phone and a few safe locations nearby (library, cafe, arcade, etc…) where they can venture alone. Have them check in often and stick to a plan.
Take time to plan family time, but don’t forget each person’s need to spend some time by themselves. Everyone will be happier in the end!
Hi I am from DPS. Yes you are so right. Don’t we all need to plan time alone? Even away from the family. Thank God for my mother in law. Now how many people can say that? 🙂