SECRETS TO GOOD HEALTH

Plan ahead: The secret is to plan ahead and make clear to everyone what you're planning. Don't worry if you haven't actually decided where you're going on Saturday afternoon (or whether you'll all just stay in with a video). The vital first step is to block off a few hours for a family activity. Put it in the diary and tell your family about it. Make sure they all understand that this is precious time and you don't want the plans changed. As your children grow older it's worth making them aware of how much you value time spent together by talking about it. Tell them that Saturday afternoons with the family mean a lot to you - they'll appreciate that you want to be with them.

Ditch distractions: With designated family time, or any time you can enjoy together (such as mealtimes or holidays), show that you regard it as being just as important as anything else in your life. Don't be tempted to the phone because your best mate has called - put the answering machine on. And if you have a job that involves taking phone calls at home, don't be at the beck and call of every little query: serious problems may have to be dealt with, but you shouldn't be needed several times a day every weekend.

Any time is good time: Family time isn't the only time you can enjoy being with your children. Develop the knack of turning any opportunity into a fun family activity. Involve your children in what you're doing. If you have more than one child, split them up: while you take your son to the supermarket or the garage, your partner can spend time with your daughter at home. Looking after one child is rarely as tricky as looking after two or three, because you can concentrate on their questions and requests. Enjoy chatting with your child on the way. Take a small bag of toys so he won't get bored while you're at the checkout or talking to the mechanic. Being organised will maximise the time you can spend enjoying life with your family. Take ten minutes every evening to plan what you need to achieve the following day, and make a list. This will help you to be more focused. Finally, never underestimate how much you can get out of just a few moments' concentrated time with your child. Even babies know and appreciate when they're being fully engaged with and enjoyed for their own sake. As they grow up, nothing pleases children as much as a few moments of their parents' undivided attention. Family time is the hardest to prioritise, because other demands always seem more urgent. However, it's the time that matters most of all.