How much time do you spend with your family?

[3boysmom]

In person time is very limited. I text with my daughter in law multiple times per day. She sends lots of pics and videos of the babies. Youngest son texts a couple of times per week. Other 2 far less but the daughter in law lets me know if anything is going on with them.
My mom is pretty infrequent as are my brothers. Maybe once a month or so. Sometimes it’s a couple of months. But she’s all wrapped up in my nephews kids and I don’t really want to be involved in their drama so I limit my exposure.

 

[Tenacious E]

That’s sad. No wonder you try to win them over with superficial vacations.

That’s sad? That’s life, unless you are independently wealthy or have a family-owned business and you work with family. Or, I suppose you work from home and are counting that as family time.

 

[Jimmy McGill]

I listened to my 17 year old with her 17 year old boyfriend argue and fight over the dumbest shit ever las night. Told wife to handle it....because I would have told them to stfu. I deal with the same issues with my parents. I don't think family time is good for me right now.

 

[artradley]

Neither do I. My brother is MAGA.

Life is short, brah. No excuses!

Too short to spend with people you don’t like.

I moved a long way from home when I was 21, and venture back to see my parents every couple years. Cousins, etc I basically never see. Now that my father is gone I only go when I absolutely have to, as my mother is torture to be with.

 

[SeaPA]

My parents are both deceased; most of my life I spent my work week with my dad, we were partners in business. In their later years, I'd have dinner with them a couple of times a month minimum.

Siblings (I have 4) typically get together a few times a year - usually 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas. My two sisters live within an hour or so of me; one of my brothers did, too, but is in the process of moving to the Nashville area (already there part time, but has an agreement with his long-time employer to continue working 10 days or so per month for the next 2 couple of years, so he's here part of the time & there part of the time). Other sibling I rarely see, he's lived in California for many years & only comes back to visit once every few years.

Some of us usually go to the beach together over Labor Day weekend; at times it's a group of 20+, sometimes it's only 6 or 8.

 

[uihawk82]

Unfortunately, not as much as I used to now that I have 4 teenagers. As sad as it may sound, they are my life, I don’t really do much for myself.

My parents and siblings, not much anymore. We’ve kind of grown apart in the last 5 years or so. I do feel bad not spending much time with my mom.

Does your mom get to see your 4 kids a lot? Just wondering. two of our grandkids live 4 hours away and the other 2 live close to 2,000 miles away. When we have time we get together. I think the grandparents can give kids a good perspective.

My mom passed 50 years ago and 20 years for my dad. My siblings and I are all pretty independent and do are own thing so we talk when need be.

 

[hydro2.0]

Kids - a lot of time. Given we don’t have family in town it’s basically been just “us” since they were born.

Siblings- daily. Call, text or talk to my brother almost every day.

Parents- couple times a week via FaceTime and usually go home every 3 months or so. Getting them to come to us is like pulling teeth

 

[uihawk82]

You couldn’t handle either of my jobs. As for vacations, we just appreciate real life and beautiful natural scenery. Not some made up superficial BS.

Yes, we love the national parks and forests, etc. But when we have time we travel to see our kids and grandkids as we love them. We try not to overstay as they have their routine but mostly visit during school vacations and summer

 

[hawkifann]

I'd bet most fully employed men spend more time at work/commuting than with their families.

I’ve been full-time remote since 2010, which I’m really thankful for. I’ve still been able to build a good career, though my next job will probably require me to go into an office. Work time isn’t family time, but it’s nice to interact with the Mrs throughout the day and to be able to see and be seen by the kids sporadically throughout the day as they come and go (they’re now 21 off at college, 18 and heading to college next year and 14 next month).

Even with a busy work day added to their various activities, I never feel like I’m too far outside the family loop.

 

[Hawkman34]

Family is everything to me. Both parents are gone. Lost my dad when I was 9, and my Mom (who was a Saint and the center of our large family) in 2003. Miss her terribly. Still very close to my sibs (which kinda drives the wife nuts), but my wife and two upper teenage kids are the center of my world (along with God). I am already having seperation anxiety (and they are still here at home..LOL!) and will need help with that. UGH

 

[alaskanseminole]

I spend a ton of time with my family, especially during football season. My son and I watch every game together, and we’re season ticket holders for SAFC, so we go to all the matches. He plays soccer too, and I used to coach his team—and my daughters’ teams when they were younger. My daughters are grown now, one in Katy, TX, and the other stationed in MD, so I don’t see them as often, but we stay in touch. I mostly work from home, so I spend a lot of time with Mrs. Alaska. My dad lives in Florida, but we’ve never been close, and I know I need to do better about spending time with my mom who lives pretty close to me.

 

[goldmom]

We all keep up with a group Snapchat. Works great and we use it daily.

We have a group text that includes parents, kids, and cousins. Active every day. Love it!
I also get together with my siblings for a bite to eat once or twice a month on Friday evenings.
We have no squabbles or issues.

 

[goldmom]

No excuses indeed. I choose not to spend time with them or call/text.

So you’re not able to just talk about stuff other than politics?

 

[Obviously Oblivious]

My immediate family (3 sons and their partners and my 3 grandkids) are my universe, and my wife is my entire life.

I talk to my mom and my two siblings when I make the effort to reach out, but IMO relationships are a two way street and if I were to wait for them to reach out then our interactions would be close to nothing. That’s their choice and likely is intentional on their part as they don’t approve of my politics or my opinions and that’s perfectly fine by me. As a result I have zero regrets that our quality time and holidays are spent with our kids and grandkids instead of them. They’re always welcome to join in or visit at anytime, but they choose not to. C’est la vie.

 

[onlyTheObvious]

Crazy amounts when they were young and I have no regrets and don’t think we could have spent more.

Lois got banged in the metrodome, I just changed diapers in the metrodome.

The best times of my life wasspending time with my kids when they were growing up. Now they are more like young friends.

I miss it.

 

[Hoosierhawkeye]

As in my wife and kids or my parents.

My wife and kids I'm with pretty much whenever I'm not at work or running errands.

My parents I see about once or twice a week on average.

 

[ThorneStockton]

Crazy amounts when they were young and I have no regrets and don’t think we could have spent more.

Lois got banged in the metrodome, I just changed diapers in the metrodome.

The best times of my life wasspending time with my kids when they were growing up. Now they are more like young friends.

I miss it.

Very pleased to see a Lois in the Metrodome reference in a family time thread!

 

[beanerhawk]

I think anyone that refers to something as quality time, it isn't.

Quality time is a term created to make oneself feel better about not spending enough time. I assume you just used this phrase since it is commonly used in this context rather than the other way.

I don't think any of us spend enough time with our kids. I spent a lot and now that I have adult kids, I am glad for every minute I did spend. Wish It could have been more. They probably dont

Well that's just silly. Of course you can spend quality time, important time, what ever you want to call with your parents, or adult kids or grand kids in my case.

 

[beanerhawk]

Was just having this conversation that I spend more time/equal with co-workers on average per week, than my family.

1. Work
Weekly Work Hours:
A standard full-time job: 40 hours per week (8 hours/day, Monday-Friday).

2. Family Time
Evenings (Weekdays):
After work, assuming 2-4 hours of quality time per evening: 10-20 hours per week (Monday-Friday).

Weekends:
Assuming 6-10 hours/day of family time (activities, meals, etc.): 12-20 hours (Saturday-Sunday).

3. Sleep
Daily Sleep Hours:
Average adult needs 7-9 hours/night: 49-63 hours
per week.

In fact I just had to fly out for work on a Sunday afternoon for a SKO

This is probably 90% of the middle class that has full time jobs.

We do Sunday dinners in the summer almost every weekend. In the winter it's probably every other weekend just depends on what everyone has going on.

 

[Gus is dead]

Well that's just silly. Of course you can spend quality time, important time, what ever you want to call with your parents, or adult kids or grand kids in my case.

I think the term, as originally coined, has lost its meaning and now can be used in ways not as originally intended.

But, I agree, any time with family is good. Wish I had more of it.

 

[artradley]

Yes, we love the national parks and forests, etc. But when we have time we travel to see our kids and grandkids as we love them. We try not to overstay as they have their routine but mostly visit during school vacations and summer

My dad used to come visit once or twice a year, but we could never convince him to stay for more than a few days. He would say “Company is like fish, it starts to stink after three days.”

 

[ThorneStockton]

Not a ton. I'm in Chicago, they're in Iowa City, which is oddly close enough that it doesn't take big plan making to have a visit occur, which makes it easy to put off, and it's far enough, that I don't necessarily feel like making the trip all that often.

 

[hawkifann]

I think the term, as originally coined, has lost its meaning and now can be used in ways not as originally intended.

But, I agree, any time with family is good. Wish I had more of it.

Honestly, even with planned family trips, outings, etc., some of the best (“quality” or whatever label you want to give it) time with my older teenagers have been the 20 min after they come down at 10 pm to put their phones away. My oldest two were/have been exceedingly busy in HS and not always the most talkative kids. They don’t have a bedtime, but devices (unless a Chromebook is needed for homework) go away at 10 and at that point in the day they become so much more open, relaxed and talkative. Was planning to go to bed around 10:30-10:45 last night, but didn’t get to bed until 11:30 because the HS senior was down talking about the show he’s auditioning for and college past 11 pm. Great stuff that’s going to be gone too soon, though we’ll have one more shot with our 8th grader.

 

[Tenacious E]

This is probably 90% of the middle class that has full time jobs.

We do Sunday dinners in the summer almost every weekend. In the winter it's probably every other weekend just depends on what everyone has going on.

I think 90% of people regardless of socioeconomic class. During business hours one needs to be at the business.

 

[millah_22]

Parents: about 10 days per year
Siblings: Maybe 3-4 days per year
I live in the same city as my cousin, so maybe a couple dozen times per year, the rest of my aunts/uncles/cousins maybe 3-4 days per year
Wife's in laws, a lot since they all live in the same city.
Wife and kid: every day.

 

[millah_22]

Was just having this conversation that I spend more time/equal with co-workers on average per week, than my family.

1. Work
Weekly Work Hours:
A standard full-time job: 40 hours per week (8 hours/day, Monday-Friday).

2. Family Time
Evenings (Weekdays):
After work, assuming 2-4 hours of quality time per evening: 10-20 hours per week (Monday-Friday).

Weekends:
Assuming 6-10 hours/day of family time (activities, meals, etc.): 12-20 hours (Saturday-Sunday).

3. Sleep
Daily Sleep Hours:
Average adult needs 7-9 hours/night: 49-63 hours
per week.

In fact I just had to fly out for work on a Sunday afternoon for a SKO

Isn't it crazy how you can spend so much time with co-workers yet most of the time know nothing about them?

 

[Doodads and Hoohah]

To be honest, I don’t really like my siblings. I should definitely text or call my mom more, but if she really wanted to talk, she could get in touch with me.

Thats kind of how I felt about my dad. Then one day he called and said he's going to the hospital and four days later he was dead. Moral of the story is call your mom.

 

[HawkMachine]

Neither do I. My brother is MAGA.

Life is short, brah. No excuses!

As long as politics don't get brought up, who cares who he votes for.

He's your brother, and like you said, LIFE IS SHORT.

Don't you live the WWJD life?

 

[BrianNole777]

As long as politics don't get brought up, who cares who he votes for.

He's your brother, and like you said, LIFE IS SHORT.

Don't you live the WWJD life?

I talk to my brother often.

 

[InsaneHawkJJP]

Thats kind of how I felt about my dad. Then one day he called and said he's going to the hospital and four days later he was dead. Moral of the story is call your mom.

I know I should, I just don’t make time. I’ll give her a call tonight.

 

[Fan In Black]

not as much as when they lived with me. I only see my grandbaby once or twice a month now.

 

[HawkMachine]

I'm not close with either parent or my sister.

I didn't have a bad upbringing but it certainly wasn't great.

Parents were divorced when I was very young.

Grew up with not much money, single parent on a teacher's salary. Saw my dad every other weekend and he wasn't the best father.

I've been married for over 20 years and my wife and I put our kids number one.

Their growing up is completely different than mine, which is good.

I'm pretty lucky I turned into something decent. I could have easily went down a different path.

Anyways, my wife and I plan on spending a lot of time with our children even though they are growing up and moving out of the house. Next journey coming up will be grandkids.

 

[beanerhawk]

I think 90% of people regardless of socioeconomic class. During business hours one needs to be at the business.

I don't think that's really the case. I know some poorer people that don't really work much if at all. Also know some really wealthy people that also don't work a lot as they come and please as they go. I'd say middle to upper middle class are going to be a higher percentage.

 

[Herkster5]

Weekdays, wake the kids up a little before 6, and I typically handle getting them breakfast, making sure they are ready for school, and getting them on the bus. I get home around 5:30, hang out with them until bed time, when I typically go back to work for a few hours. Might say hi to the wife in there, occasionally.
Weekends as we get into January are full of Saturday basketball tournaments. Sunday's typically include Sunday School, sometimes church, and then trying to find something productive to do with the kiddos.

Parents live 15 miles away, and they frequently pop into my office to say hi. I'll call my dad if I need help with something that requires two people, outside of that, I'm pretty independent of them. Well, they do watch my children with some frequency, due to how close they are to where I live.
My sister, might text her 10-15 times a year, see her 3-4 times. She doesn't live terribly far away, but with both of us having busy schedules chasing children to sporting events, it's hard to make extra time.
My brother, might text every two to three weeks, and we make it a point to hunt a time or two during the fall together.

**Edit to add, we see my parents a bit more in the summer. They have a "lake house" about an hour away, which we frequent on the weekends as much as the baseball and softball schedules allow.

 

[InsaneHawkJJP]

I don't think that's really the case. I know some poorer people that don't really work much if at all. Also know some really wealthy people that also don't work a lot as they come and please as they go. I'd say middle to upper middle class are going to be a higher percentage.

Lucky richers!

 

[Tenacious E]

I don't think that's really the case. I know some poorer people that don't really work much if at all. Also know some really wealthy people that also don't work a lot as they come and please as they go. I'd say middle to upper middle class are going to be a higher percentage.

Different circles I guess. Almost everyone I know and/or work with from middle class through lower upper class making say up to $400K or $500K works core business hours. I suppose I do not know anyone truly wealthy with eff you money, but I know lots of rich people who work 9 to 5 or more.

 

[Derekd3408]

Parents: Once a week at least. We usually have dinner with them once a week as well.

Siblings: Once a quarter. Holidays, birthdays, etc.

Wife and kid: Much more now that I've switched jobs. I took a job in June of 2021 that was high paying, but spent very little time at home or with the family. I was gone by 8am and home past 10pm every night 6 days a week. Life was too short for that. Took a hefty pay cut, but I enjoy being able to see my wife and kid everyday now.

 

[3boysmom]

Kids - a lot of time. Given we don’t have family in town it’s basically been just “us” since they were born.

Siblings- daily. Call, text or talk to my brother almost every day.

Parents- couple times a week via FaceTime and usually go home every 3 months or so. Getting them to come to us is like pulling teeth

This always infuriated me when we lived in the QC and our kids were small. We were always expected to pack everything up and travel to them. No matter that 3 kids, 2 who were babies, are difficult to travel with. I’m not that grandparent

 

[hydro2.0]

This always infuriated me when we lived in the QC and our kids were small. We were always expected to pack everything up and travel to them. No matter that 3 kids, 2 who were babies, are difficult to travel with. I’m not that grandparent

Correct it’s been the biggest “pain” point I’ve experienced as the kids grew up. I understand I chose not to live near them and don’t expect them to come out consistently but they rarely make an effort other than maybe 1-2 times a year.

It’s whatever

 

[3boysmom]

Different circles I guess. Almost everyone I know and/or work with from middle class through lower upper class making say up to $400K or $500K works core business hours. I suppose I do not know anyone truly wealthy with eff you money, but I know lots of rich people who work 9 to 5 or more.

I only know a few people with eff you money. They may have technically worked 9-5 but there was a lot of business travel and meetings and late nights that impacted their time with family. Their kids are able to have better work/life balance because of the money dad(in these cases) made.