Take time to listen to laugh, and to play together.

"We live in a world that is filled with options. If we are not careful, we will find every minute jammed with social events, classes, exercise time, book clubs, scrapbooking, Church callings, music, sports, the Internet, and our favorite TV shows. One mother told me of a time that her children had 29 scheduled commitments every week: music lessons, scouts, dance, Little League, day camps, soccer, art, and so forth. She felt like a taxi driver. Finally, she called a family meeting and announced, 'Something has to go; we have no time to ourselves and no time for each other.' Families need unstructured time when relationships can deepen and real parenting can take place. Take time to listen, to laugh, and to play together."

-M. Russell Ballard,

Mandee and I have discussed this article several different times. I think that families need down time for several different reasons. I think we need it, just because need it, first of all. I also think that in this time of economy, one of the first things to go, will be the extras. Let kids, just be kids. Let them play outdoors and fill your home with laughter.

I also think it's good for kids to be well-rounded and to be involved in a variety of activities, but I think that sometimes we as parents go overboard. I just thought this was a great quote and I wanted to share it. As I sit at my computer and blog. Makes me feel a tab bit guilty.

Click here for the full article: Daughters of God.