Ask almost any parent how they’re doing, and you’ll probably hear the same answer:

“Busy.”

Somewhere along the way, being busy became normal. Between work, school, sports, activities, appointments, and social commitments, we’ve seen countless families spend their weeks moving from one thing to the next with barely enough time to catch their breath.

(Our family isn’t immune to this, by the way. We’re right there with you.)

So how did we get here?

Modern family life is simply packed with more commitments than it used to be.

A few factors have contributed:

  • Youth sports becoming year-round instead of seasonal (you feel this one, right?)
  • More extracurricular activities and enrichment programs
  • Increased work demands and longer hours
  • Smartphones keeping us connected to work after hours
  • Social pressure to keep kids involved in multiple activities
  • More driving and commuting than previous generations

None of these things are inherently bad. Sports, music, clubs, and community involvement can all be valuable. The challenge is that every good thing competes for the same limited resource: time.

Are we spending enough time in the homes we work so hard for?

This is where things get interesting.

Families invest enormous amounts of money, effort, and planning into buying a home. We carefully choose neighborhoods, compare floor plans, and work hard to create spaces that fit our families.

Then sometimes we barely spend any time there.

It’s possible to have a beautiful living room that’s mostly empty because everyone is rushing to the next game, recital, practice, or event.

Again, activities aren’t the enemy. 

But it’s worth asking an honest question: Is our home serving as our family’s base of operations, or just a place to sleep between commitments?

Some of life’s best moments happen at home:

  • Family dinners
  • Backyard conversations
  • Board games
  • Watching movies together
  • Sitting on the porch after a long day

Not to mention that having enjoyable, consistent time at home can help develop a feeling of safety for your kids (and let’s be honest, for us adults, too). Home can be a safe place to regulate and gear back up for the craziness that hits us when we walk out the door.

Sometimes the most meaningful memories aren’t made at the next event—they’re made in the house we’re already working so hard to enjoy.

Cheers to more time in the house you love.

– The UFM Family