All too often we as parents get caught up in the every day routine and it is often hard to remember to do the important things in life.

We wake up in the morning never having enough sleep, be it because of waking children, partners coming and going to

work or the occaisional after hours adult activities.

Right from the onset we are on the go with tidying up, getting breakfast, making lunches, getting the tin lids of to school/day care and doing dishes.

Some will then go to work (housework included - floors, bathroom/s, bedrooms, washing, ironing, shopping, the list goes on), or so it seems.

Then everyone arrives home hungry and we get the evening meal, wash more dishes, clean some kids.

The list of things that keep us on our toes appears never ending.

Whilst all this is going on we are constantly thinking how nice it would be to have a few minutes rest, I don't know about others but I don't think I would be alone in saying that this moment for me is when I finally retire for the night...the feeling as the weight is taken off my feet is euphoric.

And then, as if I have just blinked the feeling of De Ja Vou hits me as I switch the kettle on....a deep breath and I am ready.

Yippee...the weekend has arrived and it is time to relax and/or catch up on a few more chores around the home...seriously, for many it is a kind of time loop.

We go through life oblivious of the fact that there is more to life than this.......Much, much more.......................................

So how do we alter our habit forming lives?

To realise this is the 1st step, and congratulations to all those that already have.....for all those that haven't, life is about to become more enjoyable for all in the family.

In the beginning it is easiest when there are no children...........When you 1st started seeing each other you made time for one another, you went out and had fun, meals, camping, theme parks, museums or whatever your thing was. You must not let things get in the road of this important part of your lives, keep having fun. Make sure you have time for each other and your friends. Have those dinner parties or BBQ's down the park. If you become board with each other the next step is a hard one.

Then life becomes a little more complicated, you have a child or three. But if you have altered your routine right from the start it need not become complicated.

Sit down and make a budget....DO NOT try and keep up with the neighbours. You DONT need that oversized TV (best if you don't even have one) or $80K 4WD or flash caravan or boat or all the other things they have. Whilst the people next door are paying all this off you can afford to have some fun. Massive debt has already caused the world enough problems, life can be simple. A healthy mind makes for a healthy body.

Your life need not change dramatically as your family grows. keep having fun. Go to the park, go out for icecream, go camping, fishing or whatever you like because as time goes by you will be laying the foundations of happy children.

Spend as much time as a family unit as posible because you only need to blink and you have missed the opportunity. Kids go to school and brag about their parents and unfortunately some kids will lie just to make their lives sound as exciting. Yes, it is sad but a fact.

When you come home from work make sure you acknowledge the members of the family. Get down on the floor and play dolls or cars if you have to, play in the sand, make a cubbyhouse, coach a sports team....do it all. I don't mean the odd bit of homework help or just a few minutes on a swing. They are your life so share it with them and don't forget your partner in all of this.

When you come home, tired and exhausted and the 1st thing you hear is a child wanting some of your time...DO NOT hesitate because you don't want your child to be the one a school having to lie about their sad, boring, uneventful life all because you have to work 2 1/2 jobs to keep up with the neighbours.

I would rather be the poorest person in the world so long as my children were always smiling. When they are happy, I am happy.

Many bedrooms are just used for those adult activities and plain old sleeping...with practice you will find it the place where your often talk most to each other. Your love grows stronger as the family bond remains one.

So get out there and grab your life with both hands and have a Family of a time.