Prioritizing Family Unity in Busy Seasons
As fall begins, family life often speeds up. School, sports, work, and extracurriculars can quickly fill every hour of the day, leaving little time to simply be together. Yet it’s in these busy seasons that prioritizing family unity matters most. Children thrive when they are rooted in a home where intentional family time is a value their parents and siblings all subscribe to. But what are some practical ways we can work this value into our daily, weekly, and monthly rhythms?
One of the most simple but effective ways to create family unity is by sharing a meal together daily. Research consistently shows that family meals foster stronger relationships, healthier habits, and deeper conversations. While dinner is often ideal, if schedules do not line up on certain days, switching to a family breakfast before school can be very meaningful as well. What is most important is that the family comes together each day and has the opportunity to talk, share tasks like setting the table and cleaning up, and grow closer as a unit.
Beyond meals, consider a simple weekly tradition like a family walk. Walking together offers a natural way for conversations to flow, and it creates space to laugh, share stories, reconnect, and step away from busy schedules.
We also highly recommend planning a monthly family outing. It can be incredibly bonding to get outside of your normal routine to have highly intentional, special time together as a family. Whether it’s apple picking, a trip to the zoo, exploring local hiking trails, or enjoying a community concert or play, these outings create shared memories that your children will treasure. And, by deciding on the outing together, kids feel invested in family life and learn the importance of prioritizing these lifelong relationships.
Busyness may be unavoidable, but disconnectedness doesn’t have to be. With a little intentionality, families can build habits that keep them close-knit, no matter how full the calendar becomes.
Here are some additional resources to explore on this topic:
Saints Are Made at the Dinner Table - Podcast Episode by the Catholic Gentleman
Family Meetings: The Why and the How of Fun, Successful Family Meetings
The Impact of Your Marriage on Your Whole Family
Family unity is incredibly important, and it all begins with a solid foundation from mom and dad. However, when raising children, especially little ones, married couples often drift apart because of the limited time and increased responsibilities that come with having a family.
But it does not have to be this way! There are so many little ways we can show up for our spouses and grow in love and respect for one another each and every day.
A short walk together after dinner, coffee before the kids wake up, leaving notes on each other's pillows or in lunches, or even ten minutes of uninterrupted conversation before bed can keep you close. Planning a regular date night, whether out at a favorite restaurant or at home with takeout and a movie, helps you step outside the daily grind and simply enjoy each other again. A simple way to keep your marriage at the center of your heart is to begin each day by asking: ‘What can I do to love my spouse well today?'
When children see their parents prioritizing their marriage, they gain both security and a model for healthy relationships. In the chaos of the season, choosing to invest in your spouse isn’t one more thing on the to-do list—it’s the foundation that helps everything else flourish.
For more on this topic, check out:
Prioritizing Your Marriage - Podcast Episode with Janet Quinlan
Marriage Unhindered - Podcast with Doug Hinderer
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