Balancing between family and job

CEBU, Philippines - Today’s parents are very busy people; there’s no question about it. The economic hurdles often force both parents to find employment. It is difficult to find one parent at home during the kids’ waking hours.

At day’s end when parents come home from work, household chores keep them from performing their child-rearing duties. And so the kids get themselves occupied with either television or gadgets. Oftentimes, the kids prefer to stay out of the house to be with their friends.

This scenario breeds a lot of problems. Kids grow up learning about life and living on their own – or from their equally inexperienced peers. And parents themselves are developing various illnesses and discomforts from being overworked, and from the stress and guilt of knowing that they’ve been rather remiss in their parental function. 

Indeed, modern parents are plagued with many worries – keeping the balance between work and family is really weighing them down. With insanely busy lives, most parents feel guilty about not being able to spend enough time with their children. And so they constantly seek for ways or time to enhance the family bond.

The website www.lollibox.sg tries to help parents in such situation by collating five simple activities to enhance the bond between parents and their children. These are just starters to get the parents’ and children’s minds going in thinking up their own ideas.  

Whip up a meal together. Cooking is probably the last activity that parents will do with their children, yet it is actually the most simple and best way to share, bond and work together as a family. The extra clean-up afterwards shall not intimidate family members about it. The great fun and bonding – not to mention the great food – that everyone in the family get to experience from the kitchen activity is really all worth it.

Pizza Sundays or Ice Cream Fridays are sure to be fun for all! No matter how busy they are, family members can set aside a specific date or meal together as a family, which is a “together” time to look forward to. Even small children may contribute yummy ideas such as fruity ice pops to excite everyone and keep the little hands and brains busy. 

“Hands on” together. A good therapy from living in a fast-paced and stressful environment, engaging in arts-and-crafts seems like a relaxing yet fun bonding family activity. It is a time that allows children and parents to unleash their creativity and create a chance to pause, connect and catch up with one another.

Parents may find a fun craft that the children will enjoy and block out some time for them to enjoy crafting. Also, parents have to remember to be encouraging and provide positive comments when the children are working on their art work! 

Embark on an exciting adventure together. The family may find time to get out of the house every once in a while – because nothing beats a family outdoor adventure! This is a chance for parents to spend quality time together with their children, and forge unforgettable family moments.

“Families that adventure together, stay together.” The whole family shall start taking in some fresh air and experience such fulfilling activities.  For example, parents may take the small kids out for a morning walk by the bayside. 

“Netflix and Chill” together. It’s the simplest family bonding activity ever. Nothing beats family members snuggling and hurdling up together to watch their favorite movies. Watching movies together helps to improve emotional bonding among family members, foster camaraderie and promote togetherness.

Parents can start by setting aside time for a family movie night! To make it even more fun, the family may make a trip out of it to buy all their favorite snacks, so that they can enjoy the movie night in to the fullest! And together they may select a movie to watch and enjoy the family time together.  

Have fun together. Now, too many parents actually recognize the importance of their children’s games and playing it together with them. It can actually be a reason for the little ones to put aside their electronic devices and start getting down on the floor to play with their parents!

Some parent-child games to consider are Monopoly, Pictionary, Wii or Play Station, depending on the kids’ preferences. Play is a need among little children, so parents shall set aside time for it – for everyone in the family to play together. The shared fun is also a great family bonding time.

The family is, in general, a safety abode; a gentle blanket of security. There shall always be time for family bonding activities as long as all members put in the effort! (FREEMAN)