Whether we are homeschooling or teaching, the first week of school is hard. Gone are the days of freely living as we wish—lazy mornings, summer activities, and long afternoons at the beach. In their place come the days of structured learning, recitation, schedules, and classes. But even though free time seems to slip away, we shouldn’t let family time slip away with it.
As a parent who currently sends my children to school, I’ve learned that family togetherness is still essential in the busy days of fall. For homeschool families too, the constant closeness of learning at home doesn’t automatically mean real connection. Taking time to talk, laugh, and enjoy each other outside of academics brings peace to the whole household—and one of the biggest benefits is simply our sanity.
Why Family Time Matters During the School Year
The shift from summer freedom to school structure can feel abrupt for both children and parents. Kids come home tired from long days in the classroom or intense homeschool lessons. Parents juggle work, meals, laundry, activities, and homework. It’s easy to let real connections slide.
But family time acts like an anchor. It gives children a sense of stability, reminding them that home is a safe and loving place. As Confucius wisely said, “The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.” When our homes are places of peace and connection, our children carry that strength into every other part of their lives.
It also helps parents slow down, step out of “teacher” or “task-master” mode, and enjoy their kids for who they are. Joseph Addison, an English essayist from the Enlightenment period, reminded parents that “What you leave to your children should be better than what you were left.” That “better” is not only about money or possessions but also about love, guidance, and the time we invest in them.
Strong family connections don’t just make life feel calmer—they also help children do better in school, handle stress more easily, and feel more confident in themselves. Aristotle captured this balance well when he wrote, “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”
Simple, Everyday Ways to Connect
The good news? Family time doesn’t have to be long or complicated. A few minutes of focused attention can do wonders. Here are some ideas that fit easily into a school-day routine:
Family Meals – Even if it’s just once a day, sitting down at the table makes a difference. Try going around and asking everyone:
- “What was the best part of your day?”
- “What’s something funny that happened today?”
- “What was one challenge you faced?”
These little check-ins help kids share more than “fine” when you ask about school. You can also add a short mealtime prayer where each family member thanks God for one blessing from the day.
Car Rides – We spend so much time in the car during the school year. Make it count by turning off the radio and asking silly questions like, “If you could eat only one food for a year, what would it be?” or “If you could have any animal as a pet, what would you pick?” You’ll be surprised at the conversations that happen when kids don’t feel pressured. Another simple idea is to memorize short Bible verses together in the car—maybe one verse a week.
Evening Walks – A ten-minute walk around the block after dinner gives everyone a chance to stretch, breathe fresh air, and talk. You could add a “gratitude walk,” where each person names something they’re thankful for. Gratitude is one of the simplest character-building exercises, and it helps kids (and adults) see God’s goodness in everyday life.
Bedtime Traditions – No matter how old kids are, they often open up most right before bed. Read a short story together, pray as a family, or simply take a moment to ask, “What’s one thing you’re thankful for today?” You might also add a short devotional or a saint’s story—something that sparks conversation about courage, kindness, or faith. As Martin Luther reminded us, “Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance. It is laying hold of His willingness.” What better way to end the day than teaching children that God is always ready to hear them?
Weekend Fun –Weekend Fun / Faith Time – Set aside part of Saturday or Sunday for something small but fun: making pancakes, having a board game tournament, baking cookies, or watching a family movie with popcorn. Sundays especially can be set apart by worshiping at church together and then sharing a “Sabbath activity” afterward, like a family hike, a simple craft, or inviting grandparents over for lunch.
After church, you can take a few minutes to talk about the Gospel lesson or sermon. Some simple questions to ask could be:
- “What part of the Gospel story stood out to you today?”
- “What is one way we could practice what we heard this week?”
If your children (or you!) aren’t in the mood for discussion, a wonderful alternative is to recite a section of the Catechism together. Even a few questions and answers each week can reinforce faith, teach Scripture, and provide structure for spiritual reflection. This approach keeps Sunday focused on faith and family, whether through conversation or shared recitation.
Guarding Family Time
The truth is, schedules will only get busier as the year goes on. Sports practices, music lessons, and homework can quickly fill every spare moment. That’s why it’s important to guard family time like a treasure.
Here are a few practical ways to protect it:
- Block off one night a week as “family night” with no activities.
- Limit the number of extracurriculars if they take away all evening time at home.
- Put phones aside during meals or walks so everyone is fully present.
Remember that saying “no” to one thing is saying “yes” to time together.
The Gift of Togetherness
In the end, our children won’t remember every test score or lesson from their school days. What will stay with them is the laughter around the dinner table, the bedtime stories, the pancake Saturdays, and the feeling that their family was their safe place.
So as we move from summer’s freedom into fall’s structure, let’s remember that learning and love go hand in hand. A little intentional family time each day doesn’t just strengthen relationships—it gives kids the security they need to thrive. And it reminds us, as parents, of what truly matters most.