Taking out time for quality family life is essential

The lack of family time is a major issue in our lives. Rising economic needs and an increasingly materialistic lifestyle mean that both parents are working to make ends meet. Demanding corporate jobs, the 24/7/365 mobile to office connectivity, and job-related outstation travelling, are some of the common issues these days. 
As a paediatrician and lifestyle counsellor, over the last two decades, I have seen a lot of changes in the overall UAE family dynamics. I have to say that the challenges for present-day parents are much more complex than before. With the dissolution of joint family system and lack of quality crèches, working parents are often forced to hire unqualified care givers to look after their children.
Feeling drained by job pressure, (and the inevitable lack of sleep, erratic meals and traffic jams!), the average urban parent is left with little time or energy to give to their spouse or kids. Slumping on a sofa before a TV seems like the best respite then. 
Social media engagement offers another escape route. Checking Facebook or Whatsapp updates seem an easier option than actual one-on-one real world communication. Such stressed out lives are increasingly disrupting the family structure.
TIPS 
. Both parents should frankly discuss and decide their roles in the family; share chores and responsibilities fairly.
. Set your personal/professional/family goals and schedules wisely, without stretching yourself too thin. 
. Keep some 'Me time' in the day. That will prevent burnout.
. 'Together time' is a must for any family to feel like a happy and cohesive unit and it should be planned and practised diligently.
. Turn these together moments into quality times. Smile, laugh, cuddle, compliment, share, converse and connect!
. Try to make time for little things in life such as birthdays, school functions, family outings and vacations. They will often remain the best and brightest memories.
. You'll only get a few years to enjoy your kids' childhood. Within no time, these wonder years will disappear, so make the most of that time!
. Remember that no amount of money or gifts will ever bring back the lost time for you. So do not try to compensate for lack of family time through materialistic means; instead plan your lives and careers more consciously. 
Dr Mandar V. Bichu is a specialist paediatrician at Mandar Medical Clinic, Sharjah. He is the author of Right Parenting: New age parenting and child-health handbook and editor of www.rightparenting.com