Much of the discussion revolving around family time is in reference to families with older children. Rarely do you see a commercial where a toddler isn’t free to sit down at the table with her parents. (Although she might not want to.) This lack of publicity shouldn’t stop you from ensuring your child gets enough time with her entire family.

In many households, the only time the entire family is together is at mealtimes and after dinner. In households with babies, this might not be the case as young babies often eat at different times and might be with one parent after dinner while the other takes care of household chores or finishes up a project.

While most households develop family routines at some point, the earlier you establish these times together, the more powerful your family connection with be. Make it a point to spend at least thirty minutes together with all members of your family. You can achieve this easily by:

Bathing your baby together every night. While cramped, the bathroom offers great fun and laughs – especially if you have two children in the tub.

Taking a family walk. After dinner is the perfect time to get outside. The temperature has dropped a bit and the light exercise gives everyone a chance to catch up on the day.

Playing together. Turn off the television and pull out some of baby’s favorite toys to play with together as a family.