Too busy to create memories?

An article in our local rag interested me this morning. It was about a UN study which argues that we are giving our children too many toys to compensate for not spending time with them, because 'we are too busy.'

The most disturbing part about it, was that the children when asked what they wanted most, replied 'more family time.' Our children it would appear 'get' it while we adults appear to have 'lost the plot' at least that is what the article suggested.

And as always when I read something interesting, I start applying it to my world and that of my coachees, so out of interest what do we think about the following questions.

1) How many 'toys' (and not just children's toys here) do you have in your home now compared to the home you grew up in, and did you as a child feel deprived?
2) How many 'activities' or 'adventures' have you been on in the last month? (don't include organised regular activities)
3) When you were growing up what did you enjoy doing the most- what are your favourite memories? (Did they involve an object, ie a toy or a free activity or adventure?)
4) What would you like your children/ families memories to be about 2011?
5) Are you making that happen?

If like the 5 other people I have asked this morning your answers were:

1) A lot more and no.

2) Not very many.

3) Picnics, park, beach, bike rides etc- all adventure based.

4) Like the ones I had.

5) Mmmmmm not really.

If they mirror the above it might be time to start rethinking, the weekend is not very far away. It might be just the opportunity to ask your children/ family members to create a memory with you.

Have fun.

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