Focus on the Family Magazine - June/July 2023
It can be a struggle to raise a family while balancing your work life, social life and relationships. Focus on the Family magazine is here to help! Each complimentary issue delivers fresh, practical Biblical guidance on family and life topics. Every issue comes packed with relevant advice to build up your kids, strengthen your marriage, navigate entertainment and culture, and handle common challenges you may face in your marriage and parenting journeys. Plus you'll find seasonal advice ranging from back-to-school activities to date night tips for you and your spouse.
It can be a struggle to raise a family while balancing your work life, social life and relationships. Focus on the Family magazine is here to help! Each complimentary issue delivers fresh, practical Biblical guidance on family and life topics.
Every issue comes packed with relevant advice to build up your kids, strengthen your marriage, navigate entertainment and culture, and handle common challenges you may face in your marriage and parenting journeys. Plus you'll find seasonal advice ranging from back-to-school activities to date night tips for you and your spouse.
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EXTENDED FAMILY / FAITH & INSPIRATION<br />
hf<br />
flexible fun<br />
My family is intenti<strong>on</strong>al about scheduling fun<br />
time during visits with extended family. We set<br />
aside specific blocks of time during <strong>the</strong> day for<br />
people to do activities <strong>the</strong>y enjoy. For example,<br />
<strong>the</strong> kids might have a few hours to go to <strong>the</strong> pool<br />
or playground, while <strong>the</strong> adults might use that<br />
time for a hike or to relax with a book.<br />
We have found that this approach works well<br />
for visits both at our house and at <strong>the</strong> homes<br />
of extended family. It allows us to balance <strong>the</strong><br />
social aspect of family visits with <strong>the</strong> need for<br />
pers<strong>on</strong>al space.<br />
—Diana Popa<br />
vacati<strong>on</strong> collaborati<strong>on</strong><br />
Planning a destinati<strong>on</strong> vacati<strong>on</strong> with extended<br />
family has made time toge<strong>the</strong>r so much more<br />
enjoyable. Every few years we all agree <strong>on</strong> a<br />
locati<strong>on</strong> and share <strong>the</strong> cost of reserving a rental<br />
property to accommodate our large group.<br />
The best locati<strong>on</strong>s are close to amenities and<br />
somewhat luxurious. We create a shared document<br />
outlining all of <strong>the</strong> area’s activities and<br />
costs. <strong>Family</strong> members sign up for <strong>the</strong> outings<br />
and pay individually. For those who aren’t<br />
participating, it’s time to relax, take in <strong>the</strong><br />
sights and enjoy <strong>on</strong>e ano<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
—Kelly L. Ward<br />
keep <strong>the</strong> routine<br />
hospitality campouts<br />
CREDIT TK<br />
OKSIX-ADOBE STOCK<br />
My in-laws live far away. They weren’t used to<br />
entertaining children for l<strong>on</strong>g periods of time<br />
when we came for a visit. So we all agreed it was<br />
easier for every<strong>on</strong>e if we scheduled visits without<br />
my in-laws taking time off from <strong>the</strong>ir jobs. While<br />
<strong>the</strong> grandparents kept <strong>the</strong>ir daily work routine,<br />
we played and explored. Then we enjoyed <strong>the</strong><br />
evenings toge<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
—Jennifer Henn<br />
My young kids struggle with offering <strong>the</strong>ir bedrooms<br />
to overnight guests. So my husband and<br />
I win <strong>the</strong>m over with <strong>the</strong> benefits of camping out<br />
<strong>on</strong> Dad and Mom’s bedroom floor. They bring<br />
al<strong>on</strong>g stuffed animals and blankets, and <strong>the</strong>y get<br />
a cozy foam cushi<strong>on</strong> that is <strong>on</strong>ly used during<br />
<strong>the</strong>se special “campouts.” Cleaning <strong>the</strong>ir rooms<br />
and graciously offering <strong>the</strong>m to guests has<br />
turned into an adventure in hospitality.<br />
—Rachel Mattes<strong>on</strong><br />
early morning<br />
outings<br />
I have three small children who invariably<br />
wake up before every<strong>on</strong>e else when we are <strong>on</strong><br />
family trips. In anticipati<strong>on</strong> of that, I scout out<br />
nearby playgrounds, parks and coffee shops<br />
ahead of time so I can take <strong>the</strong>m out <strong>on</strong> those<br />
early mornings. This allows my children to burn<br />
off some of <strong>the</strong>ir energy and have fun without<br />
disturbing o<strong>the</strong>r adults who want to sleep in.<br />
—Elizabeth James<br />
JUNE / JULY <strong>2023</strong> FOCUS ON THE FAMILY CANADA<br />
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