Story Began : Family Time is Important!

[Once upon a time….there were no mobiles, no tables, no laptops, no apps, no E-Commerce, no crèches…What was then?] Was there just a “Family Time”? No, there was a whole bunch of time zones to usher the creativity with the joy of being with Family.

Well, then was the big “Play time”..

No no not those “Wild Wild Taxi’s or Dune Buggy’s” but yes going out with neighbourhood friends in the parks to catch on games as “Frozen T-Shirts race, Bean Bag ladder toss ,water balloons ,fishing for marbles or shells from the sea sand, making of small houses out of the marble or sand”& so many other crazy games !!

Then there was a big “Family Time”..

No Pinging of phones, No overloading with social media messages /frequent E-Mailers ,so cool were the days ,when complete family sat together to spend some quality time ,be it over dinner or even joke/story time over the table.

Then there was a big “Social Time”..

Ping –Hey guys, long time, What’s up??Blah..Blah..Blah…Just chat &that’s the end. We get on month’s to see faces of the one’s who make us happy ,one’s with whom we wish to share our feelings. That “Social time has modernized with “Chat Time”. Gone are the “Chaupal” days, where people used to sit, discuss, talk. Gone are the days when family used to play carrom and cards to have their “Social time”.

Then there was “Kids Time”..

No Office..No crèche…It’s the perfect bonding for few initial years, an emotional bond which kids long for with the parents, esp. Mothers.

A Turnaround of Life!

But where has this story turned around? An overall 360 degree turn in our lifestyles, the way we connect, the way we respond, the way we enjoy with kids. Things have moved at a much faster pace than we have realized!

Most of the families are stressed out, just like what mine was.

We wish for a family bonding time

Longing for a silent “ME or OUR” time

Sometimes wanna dance crazily with our near and dear ones.

Wish to sit with our kids and husband on the moonlight terrace and have a candid chat.

Get back to the old lanes to go to the garden and play that crazy bat ball.

Yes, we all want to sleep in the lap of our Mom, don’t we?

Somehow life has diminished many of these feelings. Somewhere in the core of our heart, we still crave to get back those past joyous carefree lanes. Break over those confinements, let the world call us “Insane”, but Live the way you wish your life to be.

So this post is for all women like me, who want to regain their “loved time back”, not snatching much from your current time!

Sharing few tips to manage & extract this “Wonderful time”:

1. Celebrate every festival:

   Be it Ramadan or Rakhi, Diwali or Christmas, Lohri or Tomatino. Festivals are meant to engage with family and friends. Festivals usher colors in our lives. With so many widespread festivals across India and world, pin down them every month & enjoy thoroughly with your near and dear ones. They are bound to en-liven you and can be good learning for Kids too.

2. Forget the world of “Gadgets”:

   Once you are back home, for minimum 2 hours at a stretch forget the geeky mobile world. Enjoy your fantasy time bonding & playing with kids. Bringing back the joy of playing games together really senses out a fresh sigh. Have a cup of coffee in open air with your spouse. Forget the office/home issues, just have a pleasant talk and walk back the past exuberant lanes.

3. Weekend Bonding time :

   Let the rules break ,let the things be in a mess, cleaning out mess daily might not solve the life’s mess. Laugh out loud, crack jokes, ride bicycles, play disc or run over games in garden. Pack snacks & go for picnic, dance, listen to music..Try juggling with your kids toys, you’ll see you get happy with your creative skills:). Just let all these things happen & see the change.

4.  “Me time” :

   Keep at-least 30-40 min daily for yourself before you sleep. Forget FB and Insta, read inspiring novels, listen to light music. Peep out of window to see morning sun rays, deep breath in fresh air..These small things will conserve your energy to ensure a radiant smile throughout the day!

5. Fun at Basic Chores:

   Let basic chores as cleaning, making the bed, Toasting the bread, cleaning peas, be a Fun activity for the whole family. Involve all, from kids to spouse, set up a time limit & compete the best & the fastest job done daily..Ensure you shell out something lucrative for the little one, for the effort he/she has put into..Trust me, time ,energy all saved & working time will turn to “Fun time”along with the “Bonding time”.

6. Family Dinners :

   Once a week go out for dinner with friends or Family. Not in a hush- hush but sit, relax, enjoy the ambience & food, chit chat over the table. Leave kids and let the them have some of their talks with each other..No discussions over office or bitching someone..Just a time to relax the overloaded minds!

7. High adrenaline activities:

   At least once or twice a week, indulge in Swimming (along with kids), Horse riding, Trekking,Workout in fresh air ..This can be a complete family affair & is bound to give you a touch of freshness & lively time for family.

8. Try to be Kid :

   Well ,don’t just involve in “Big Games”, play games as Snakes & Ladders ,Scrabble ,Othello with spouse & kids.. I guarantee, it would be a great fun that kids & even you would love! It’ll act like an addiction, when there are giggles & craziness all over.

9. A tight HUG:

   A good & tight HUG is all what your Kid, Spouse and family needs! A reflection of Love, it gives a sense of attachment and longing .
   Guys ,Just try out & believe on me…These small points are magical. It can be such a quality time spent with family. It will definitely strengthen the bond not just between child & parents but even between the couples and their families. So simple, cost free, close to nature, Do try & share more tips for a great “Bonding Time” .

10. Sparkle Colors:

Bored of same old living room? Why not redo it this week? Change the themes, change the colors. Try adding some similar interiors which will definitely sparkle up your life.

[And finally, that Once Upon a time –Came back with slight modifications in it] 🙂

Happy “OUR” Time!