Helping kids and parents unwind together

Busy lifestyles can make it difficult to spend quality time with your children.

Amid the chaos of work and school, sometimes your biggest goal for the day might be getting the bedtime routine sorted before you can finally put your feet up! As a parent, the pressures of everyday life come and go, but it’s always important to make time for something light-hearted.

Quality time together is often overlooked. If you’re looking to make new memories as a family unit, we’ve explained four of the best ways in this guide.

1. Explore local nature

Top family days out could be waiting just minutes from your doorstep. With a little bit of research and planning, you could plan a memorable family day out that gets you closer to nature too.

Whether it's exploring the Lake District National Park or finding opportunities closer to home, natural spaces provide more enrichment for children than you might imagine.

Many outdoor venues feature wildlife trails and other family-focused activities, so why not head down to the local farm or your closest National Trust site? Whatever you choose, just remember to dress for the weather and keep handy supplies in the car too.

2. Book a holiday

Nothing says quality family time quite like a relaxing beach holiday.

There’s no reason why you shouldn't start planning your holiday for next season in the middle of winter. Having something to look forward to might even help to motivate you through the more challenging periods of the year.

If you're looking for total relaxation, there are plenty of quality all-inclusive family holidays with all the details covered. From flying on a plane together to watching your children play by the swimming pool, there are so many good feelings that you can only experience on a summer holiday. 

3. Host an unplugged games night

Traditional board games could give you more fun than you’d imagine.

In the digital age, it's all too easy to sit around a big screen together and play video games or watch films. However, taking time to strip things back to basics paves the way for wholesome moments spent as a family.

Encouraging naturally funny conversations and hilarious moments, board games and puzzles could give you and your family so much entertainment for free. Games are a great way to learn more about each other, share a sense of humour, and compare strategies.

4. Start a new hobby together

Finally, why not get inspired by your children's interests and join a new club or start practising a different sport together?

By joining in and supporting your child's development, they will look up to you as a role model and learn to enjoy your friendship too. It’s important as a parent not to take life too seriously, especially when your children are facing exams or other pressures at school.

Get out of your comfort zone to learn some new skills, then watch your relationship grow as you go from strength to strength in your new discipline together.