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10 Ways to Unplug + Squeeze in Quality Time With Family

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

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If you and your family are in need of some serious quality time, we've got a few surprisingly simple ways to help you reconnect with your favorite people.

Don’t lose your techies to endless screen time. Designate a spot for devices and a time for everyone to officially unplug, even if it’s just for one hour a day.

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions

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Tech Time Out

Don't lose your techies to endless screen time. Designate a spot for devices and a time for everyone to officially unplug, even if it's just for one hour a day.

Bath time doesn’t have to be a messy chore. Make it a spa-like event that you and the kids look forward to by creating a sense of calm. One scented candle, warm towels and a classical music playlist can help everyone wind down and appreciate the moment.

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions

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Bath Time Bonding

Bath time doesn't have to be a messy chore. Make it a spa-like event that you and the kids both look forward to by creating a sense of calm. A scented candle, warm towels and a classical music playlist can help everyone wind down and appreciate the moment.

Pick one night a week where dinner prep is a group activity. If you have little ones, consider creating a cook station on their level that will encourage them to get in on the fun.

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions

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Family Cook Station

Pick one night a week where dinner prep is a group activity. If you have little ones, consider creating a cook station on their level that will encourage them to get in on the fun.

Family Eating Dinner Together

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions

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Sit-Down Dinners

It's easy to overlook obvious opportunities to reconnect with your partner or kids. Eating together is a chance to go around the table and check in with each person. Even if you're eating take-out, the face time is important when you have hectic schedules and lots of distractions.

Rather than reading a story to your kids, amp up the participation and fun by having each person take a turn telling a story. The more elaborately acted out, the better!

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions

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Interactive Storytime

Rather than reading a story to your kids, amp up the participation (and fun!) by having each person take a turn telling a story. The more elaborately acted out, the better!

If you have a picky eater, this can be a game changer. At the end of the week take a few minutes to talk snacks, lunches and overall meal planning for the next week. Kids will feel like they’re part of the process and be less likely to complain about what’s served. You’ll feel organized and have a streamlined grocery list to shop with…

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions

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Menu Planning

If you have a picky eater, this can be a game changer. At the end of the week, take a few minutes to talk snacks, lunches and overall meal planning for the next week. Kids will feel like they're part of the process, and they'll be less likely to complain about what's served.

Make a point to get outside once a week, as a family. Whether it’s a picnic in the backyard or goofing off in the driveway together, just a few minutes out in the fresh air with each other can be re-energizing.

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions

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Quality Outdoor Time

Make a point to get outside once a week, as a family. Whether it's a picnic in the backyard or playing in the driveway together, just a few minutes out in the fresh air with each other can be re-energizing.

Create positive vibes around bedtime with a healthy, yummy snack kids will look forward to. Organic raspberries with a chocolate chip tucked inside is always a hit.

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Healthy Bedtime Snack

Create positive vibes around bedtime with a healthy and delicious snack kids will look forward to. Try this: Tuck a dark chocolate chip inside an organic raspberry for a sweet bite.

Take a few minutes out of the week (or month) to have a family meeting. This is a great to create some structure by updating each family member on schedules, goals and get everyone in the right mindset for the upcoming week.

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions

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Family Meeting

Take a few minutes out of the week (or month) to have a family meeting. This is a great way to create some structure by updating each family member on schedules, goals and get everyone in the right mindset for the upcoming week. (And try not to only have family meetings when something bad happens.)

Boy Playing With Cars

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions

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Individual Playtime

Make sure your kids aren't suffering from extra-curricular burnout by carving out 30 minutes a day for quiet, independent playtime. This helps kids wind down from a hectic day and have a calmer mindset before bedtime.

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