HOW TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY CLOSE IN A BUSY WORLD Staying Connected
MAKE EVERY MOMENT COUNT
If you feel like you’ve hardly seen your kids since the school year started, you’re not alone. Americans are way too busy — from childhood onward, we’re always running hither and thither, packing in as many after-school activities, work-related meetings, and social engagements as possible. It’s a problem so pervasive that it has a name: time scarcity. Families feel time scarcity keenly after school starts in September, when children’s schedules explode with engagements. But all hope for close ties isn’t lost; there are ways to stay connected with your spouse and kids, even in an increasingly busy world. Here are some ideas from counselors, teachers, and psychologists who claim to have mastered the art.
As cliche as it sounds, when you don’t have much time
together, it’s crucial to be present for every minute of it. If you have a
rare half hour at home with one of your kids, make a point to spend it in the same room and try to start a conversation. If you squeeze
in a romantic dinner with your spouse, turn off your phones before the food comes. Listening to each other without distractions will strengthen your relationship.
REMEMBER YOUR RITUALS
HUG IT OUT
Rituals make up the backbone of individual families and society at large. Most people wouldn’t dream of abandoning their holiday traditions, so why forgo the smaller rituals that bring families together? Whether it’s eating dinner at the same table each evening, watching a movie together every Thursday night, or going on a monthly getaway, make sure these traditions aren’t canceled. If your family doesn’t have many rituals, a great way to connect is to start some.
Physical contact is vital for closeness. When you get the chance, hug your kids, hold hands with your spouse, and do physical activities as a family, like hiking, biking, or even playing group sports. It’s been scientifically proven that physical closeness leads to emotional closeness, so if you’re low on time, take advantage of that shortcut!
BEVERLY HURSH
Beverly Hursh fromUrbana is feisty! Bev’s the only one of my longtime clients who’s worked as a beautician and as a registered nurse—at the same time! After high school, Bev got her cosmetology license and worked as a stylist and beautician. Eventually, she opened her own salon and ran it successfully for nearly 25 years. In the category of“now for something completely different,”Bev decided in her 40s to go back to school at Clark State where she got her associate’s degree in nursing, all while continuing to run the salon. She did home health for a while, then some tech work at Madison County Hospital. Ever driven, she then became an RN and ultimately an RN supervisor, managing staff (and doctors!) and 30–50 patients. Nurses are prone to many injuries, from getting accidentally stuck with a needle to straining while lifting or restraining patients. Catching her foot on a mat resulted in Bev’s first injury to her neck, back, shoulders, and hip while at Villa Springfield. Though she required ongoing treatment, she returned to work, ultimately at Covenant Care. Icy parking lots cause just as much havoc for nurses as they do for us. Bev’s second injury happened when she slipped on ice getting out of her car, sliding under the car next to hers and tearing her rotator cuff.
After returning to light duty, she tore it again trying to stop a medical cart. Office work proved no safer, as a final accident resulted from her desk chair flipping her backwards. Two shoulder surgeries left her limited, as did her back and neck injuries. When work is such a huge and satisfying part of our lives, severe injuries that knock us out of our careers are depressing. Despite several attempts at rehabilitation and conditioning, Bev’s injuries progressed to where she could no longer work. However, we were able to get lifetime benefits awarded to her.
Bev enjoys spending time with her family, including her granddaughter, who took this lovely photo of her grandmother. You can just tell from that gleam in her eye that Bev is still one feisty lady! She’s a delightful client and friend.
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