Parenting For Humanity Blog

School is back in session, and for lots of us that means we’re seeing a lot less of our families. If you consider that most kids need 10 or more hours of sleep, school lasts six and a half hours, homework takes away another hour or two, most of your time is already taken. Assuming you sit down and eat dinner, and participate in only one extra-curricular activity, there’s precious little time left for connecting as a family, much less exploring the backyard, the neighborhood park or your home’s best hiding places.

This week we’re talking about how to build rituals and routines that can maintain connection into these crazy times . A great starting point is Hold on to your kids by Neufeld and Mate. After reading that book, we started trying to hang out together on the couch in the morning- a chance to be present and be together before all going our separate ways.

Family meetings, which we started discussing last week, are another ritual that can bring a family together while teaching problem-solving skills. Special tips for making family meals special, or for just getting out the door in the morning can save family sanity as well.

What family routines have helped you stay sane and build connection with your loved ones? Please share your tips here in the comments section, or join us on Thursday by calling in or chatting.