Time…How are you spending it?
A Harvard professor once said, "Time is like oxygen. There's a minimum amount that is needed to survive. Less than that amount may cause permanent damage. And I think the same holds true for a child's time and exposure to both parents." Guess what? They are right!
Why is it that many of us will spend our entire lives working hard at our jobs only to regret that we neglected our families, particularly our children, in the process? In fact, research studies have shown that people nearing the end of their lives do not typically reflect back on their journey and wish they had spent more time working. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Most would spend more time with family and friends. So what is the lesson to be learned from all of this? Don't wait for tomorrow to begin spending time with your loved ones. Do it today!
Those of you who are part of my inner circle are aware that my wife Michelle and I lost an important member of our family on Wednesday, April 23, 2008. Our brother-in-law was involved in a tragic plane crash that took his life and the lives of two other passengers as well. Brian is being called a hero as after detecting smoke and losing power he diverted the plane to a nearby orange grove to avoid crashing into a crowded shopping center. Brian was married to a wonderful young lady, Lauren, who is due with their first child, a baby girl, at the end of June. (Please consider supporting the www.mackenziewhitetrust.com.)
So, why I am sharing such a personal story with the general public? To remind you that life is fragile and can be taken from us in the blink of an eye. To inspire you to spend less time worrying about work and more meaningful time with your family and friends.
Over the last few days my family has shared stories about Brian and reflected on the impact he had on each of our lives. However, it was during one of my conversations with Brian's father, Bruce, that I decided to write about the topic of time and how we spend it. Simply put, Bruce is an amazing man whose life is truly guided by the Holy Spirit. He has told me several times that he has faith that the unfortunate, painful loss of his son will someone how have a positive impact on the lives of others. He is hopeful that it will move parents to spend more meaningful time with their children. Bruce is blessed to have been an active part of Brian's life and continues to be heavily involved in the lives of his two daughters, something he will never take for granted. One thing he shared with me that I will never forget is just how little meaningful time many parents actually spend with their children.
Interesting Facts:
39 Minutes: Time per week that parents spend in meaningful conversation with their children.
20 Hours: Average time per week that the American child ages 2-17 spends watching television.
How can you help YOUR family? So what can you do if you are one of these people? Change it! Listed below are some tips on how to reclaim meaningful time with your children.
Reclaim Dinnertime – www.reclaimdinnertime.com
Gathering around the family table to share a meal is a centuries-old tradition, but one that seems increasingly difficult to pull off in a world where life has become more and more fast paced. Reclaim Dinner Time has established a web site to serve as a virtual gathering place for anyone who feels that preserving the family dinnertime tradition is a worthy pursuit.
Participate in Day for Kids – www.dayforkids.org
Boys & Girls Clubs of America celebrates the importance of establishing stronger relationships between adults and youth by leading the BGC Day for Kids effort. Held annually on the third Saturday in September, BGC Day for Kids was established to encourage adults and children to spend meaningful time together. This year's BGC Day for Kids will take place on Sept. 20, 2008, when millions of adults and youth are expected to participate in a variety of activities.
Other tips:
FOCUS ON CHILDREN—Parents and children agree that meaningful activities focus on kids and the things they enjoy. Children cited, "being the focus of their parents' attention" as one of the top four ways that parents could make time together more meaningful.
ASK THEM – Kids and adults can differ about what they consider meaningful time. Parents may be surprised by the simple and exciting suggestions that they hear.
MAKE IT FUN – In the Meaningful Time Survey, kids placed greater emphasis on activities that are fun-focused. Just because you are engaged in meaningful activities doesn't mean you can't have fun in the process.
INTERACT – Don't just watch. Surprisingly, fewer than one-in-ten children said that having parents watch their activities ( such as sporting events, plays, etc.) constituted meaningful time.
LISTEN – Kids need to feel wanted and supported by their parents. What better way to do that than by listening to what your child has to say?
YOUNG AT HEART – "Parents doing things they ( the kids) enjoy" was among the top five ways children could make time together more meaningful, important and memorable.
Note: Information above provided by Boys & Girls Clubs.
How can you help OUR family? Contribute to the Mackenzie White Trust. The trust has been established to allow family, friends and other generous members of our community to contribute towards raising the much needed funds to help Lauren raise their precious child. We hope you will help us in our efforts and click on the link below to make a contribution.
www.mackenziewhitetrust.com
As always…to those who have just begun the journey of finding their purpose in life, remember to remain patient. You will find it! For those who have already found it, remain faithful. For the road of life ahead is sure to have unforeseen curves that will attempt to throw us all off course.
Keep the faith!
Bob Hobbs Jr.
Copyright © 2008 Bob Hobbs Jr. & Associates