Family time is precious and hard to come by. With sports practices, school events, work events, and everything else that pulls us in different directions, finding quality time to spend together as a family is a challenge. Here are a few ways to ensure that you make time for family time.

Carve out family time in advance

Before your family calendar starts filling up for the month, proactively claim time for family time. You might not have specific plans yet, but don’t let that stop you from adding an appointment for your whole family to get together. Maybe you set aside the same time each week in your family planner so that everyone gets in the habit of reserving that time for the family, or maybe you catch time whenever you see an opening between other commitments. Either way, block out a chunk of time in your family schedule just for your family!

Reinforce family time by making it fun time

With or without a plan, make the time you spend together fun. You want everyone to look forward to the family time you’re adding to your online family calendar. If the time is spent bickering or going on boring errands, family time will be associated with bad memories and bad feelings—undoubtedly the opposite of what you’re hoping to achieve! Family time plans don’t have to be elaborate or expensive, just enjoyable.

Stay focused on the family

When the time comes for your family appointment, stop everything else and focus on your family. This can be challenging for kids and adults! What if the phone rings? What if a playmate knocks on the door? What if an important e-mail or text comes in? If you’re committed to taking your family appointment as seriously as you would a client appointment, you can’t let any of these interruptions interfere. So unplug the phone, turn off the computer, and be prepared to tell playmates that the family is busy. While your kids might initially rebel against some of these restrictions, they’ll quickly get used to the routine. In fact, the kids will probably be thrilled to have your undivided attention!

If you’re still finding it hard to find time for your family, or to remember your family time appointments, you can send yourself a reminder from Cozi. Whether sent to phone or e-mail, definitely send a reminder to ensure that you don’t forget these important appointments.