Making The Most Of Family Time

29th May 2008

Just a generation ago, spending time with the family was the norm with the majority of us able to enjoy daily meals and plenty of time together.

These days, more than half of families in the UK say that they are unable to spend time with loved ones on a daily basis and an astounding 16% saying they only get to see their families once a week or less, according to research by family favourite, Clover.

The good news for younger parents is that they been named the most family orientated with seven out of ten under 25 year olds making sure they dedicate time at least once a day to their family, compared with 39% of 35-44 year-olds.

This lack of time is also impacting on mealtimes with a third of families eating only one meal a day together and 18% saying that they only have time for one to three meals together a week.

Parenting expert and clinical psychologist Claire Halsey, who lives and works in Cheshire with her three sons, says “It’s important to make the most of your family and there are many different activities you can take part in, no matter how limited your time. Just a few tiny changes to our everyday lives can make a huge difference to the time we spend together.”

“Cooking is activity to get the children involved in and whilst some adults think that time in the kitchen is a chore, you’ll fine that most children would love the chance to roll up their sleeves and get involved!

“In addition, cooking can be educational as children learn and practise new skills and gain a better understanding of where food comes from. It will also help motivate fussy eaters as you’ll often find that children’s meals seem a lot tastier to them if they’ve had a hand in the making!

So why not make the most of their enthusiasm and try making some quick and simple tasty treats, such as All Clover Plum & Raspberry Squares and Seeded Flapjacks. These recipes can be found at out on www.cloverfamily.co.uk.

Claire’s Top Tips for spending more time with the family:

• Don’t feel as though you have to put aside hours, you can spend time with your family whilst carrying out simple tasks
• Ask your children to come and chat with you whilst you’re preparing dinner or hanging out the washing
• Get the children to do their homework at the kitchen/dining table instead of their room, ensuring that the TV/radio is off, as this will encourage them to talk about what they’re doing and allow you to help
• Try eating at least one meal a day together even if its only first thing
• Let the children get involved in cooking – it’s educational and will also give children a better understanding of where food comes from

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