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August 25, 2004
Studies Show Families Not Spending Enough Time Together as a
Family Study
Families are not spending enough time together and that needs to
change researchers say. According to data from Impulse Research
more than 50% of families spend less than 10 hours per week
together as a family. 33% of parents indicated that their
youngsters spend 35-40 hours per week in organized activities -
that's roughly the same amount of time as an adult American
workweek. 62% of parents stated that they would like to spend
more time with their young ones.
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On the other hand, in another study conducted by
Columbia University researchers which examined the effect of
family time on the character and social development of children
results were positive.
Teenagers who ate dinner with their families five times or more
per week performed better in school, were less likely to use
tobacco, drink alcohol or use illicit drugs than those who ate
with their family two times or less per week.
Mealtime at home improves vocabulary skills of children
(according to a Harvard University study) and provides a forum
for family members to learn about what's going on in lives of
other family members.
Researchers from the impulse research study recommended the
following
-setting aside family evenings on the calendar
-take advantage of five key family activities that often get
overlooked in busy schedules: dinner, schoolwork, exercise, play
and relaxation.
-make a conscious decision to spend time dedicated to
reconnecting with one another.
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