According to the US Department of Labor and Statistics, most Americans spend 20 hours of their day sleeping, working and watching TV. So, the question is: Are these the things that matter most to you? Or are these the things that alienate you? Are there rhythms in your life that need to change or be rearranged in order to create a more compatible and sweeter harmony for your life?

For kids, research will tell you the rhythms they establish in life can mold their health, happiness and security. Researchers at North Dakota State University found that regular and repetitive activities generate safety and security for children as well as enhance their brain development. And Time magazine reported a study done by Columbia University that found families who eat meals together regularly have healthier, happier and better students. Here are just some of the many benefits of quality family time together:

• Greater emotional bonding and an ability to adapt is higher for families who spend leisure time together.

• Adolescents whose parents are involved in their lives exhibit fewer behavior problems.

• Youth who have parents home with them in the evening are less likely to exhibit emotional stress.

• Parents who attend religious activities with their children are more likely to know their kids’ social networks.

• Teens who do activities, talk to, and have close relationships with their parents are less likely to engage in violence.

(FamilyFacts.org)

Thank you for encouraging our families to spend quality time together and for providing them with ideas and resources to develop healthy, family rhythms!