By Liz Lucarini

Life can feel like a whirlwind with school, sports, and social activities in full swing. Sometimes it feels like you don’t ever see your family; but, if you are intentional, you can create the time to be together. Here are a few ideas to help you:

1. Family dinner

My parents and siblings are Lowcountry locals—something that I do not take for granted. Every Sunday we have family dinner at my parents’ house. We all work our schedules around it; and, if something comes up, we reschedule it! This is a high point in everyone’s week every week, and it has added so much value to the relationships we have with each other. Whether your children are two or 32, set one night a week up for “family dinner” (or brunch or coffee ... whatever works for you!). Put it on the calendar, just like you would an appointment, and be there. Where your time is, there your heart is ... so make this time a priority. If your children are older, a great way to do this is to allow them to bring any friends (or significant others) that they would like just as long as they are there! Add in games, movies, cooking competitions for some extra fun! 

2. Date night (featuring your children!)

This is one of my favorites! Allow your children to “take you on a date” every once in a while. Pick one child and set a time for them to choose an activity, restaurant, movie, etc., for you both to do together. Maybe it is dressing up fancy and going to Chick-fil-a, collecting shells on the beach for a project, driving with the windows down—whatever they want, you get to do. If your children are older, hand them the keys and some cash. Let them drive you to your date spot, pay for what it is, and treat you to some one-on-one time together! One-on-one time fosters conversation and instills values into your child.

3. Late night chats

No matter what they say, your child is never too old to be tucked into bed. If you have younger children, try adding in some conversation starters into your bedtime routine: “What was the best part of today?” “If you could change anything from today, what would it be?” “What are you excited for tomorrow?” “Where did you see God in your life today?” For older children, tucking them into bed may not look like it used to, but before-bed conversations don’t have to change. Whether you are popping in their room before you go to sleep or they are cracking your door open to say goodnight, make it a goal to make your face the last face they see each night.

Bonus: Make your house the center of the party

My mother has said for the last few years that she prays for her driveway to be a parking lot, meaning that “a full driveway equals a house full of people.” I challenge you to make this your goal for your home. If your kids are young, your driveway may be more of a “drop-off line,” but the point is the same—create a safe space for your children and their friends to call their place. Moms, if they are with you, you know where they are, who they are with and what they are doing. When your driveway is a parking lot, your home becomes a ministry where kids can come to let their guard down and be their authentic self. You don’t have to provide all the games, food, and the coolest backyard, but simply provide “a place.” 

Liz Lucarini is a full-time student at Moody Bible Institute and part-time LCC staff member. In her free time, you will often catch her at a coffee shop, soaking up sunshine rays on the river, traveling, or finding something to laugh about.