The Importance of Family Time: Strengthening Marriages and Building Bonds

Family dinners, weekend trips, and simple daily rituals once formed the heartbeat of family life. But research shows that the amount of time families spend together has been steadily shrinking over the last few decades. At the same time, divorce rates have risen and relationship satisfaction has declined. Could there be a connection?

Experts in psychology and family studies believe so. Time together isn’t just “nice to have” — it’s the glue that keeps both parent–child and spousal relationships strong. Here are 7 key facts about the decline of family time and what it means for the stability of marriage and long-term happiness.

1. Family Time Has Decreased by 37% in Just Two Decades

A study from the University of Virginia’s National Marriage Project found that families today spend 37% less time together than they did just 20 years ago. Packed schedules, technology, and longer working hours have eroded family rituals like shared meals. Researchers note that this erosion of everyday bonding directly correlates with declining marital satisfaction.

2. Couples Who Share Meals Have Stronger Marriages

According to Dr. Jeffrey Dew, a family researcher at Utah State University, couples who regularly share meals together not only strengthen bonds with their children but also with each other. Dew notes:

“Shared time is one of the strongest predictors of marital happiness. The more time couples spend together in family activities, the lower their likelihood of divorce.”

3. Divorce Rates Are Linked to Work–Life Imbalance

A Harvard Business School study revealed that couples who feel “time-starved” are far more likely to report marital conflict. In households where both parents work long hours, the lack of family time often translates into weakened emotional intimacy between partners. In fact, time pressure is now cited as one of the top three predictors of divorce.

4. Technology Is Replacing Face-to-Face Family Bonding

While families may be “together” in the same room, smartphones, streaming, and social media often replace genuine interaction. Dr. Sherry Turkle, MIT professor and author of Alone Together, warns:

“We are getting used to being alone together — physically close, but emotionally distant. For families, this erodes both parental connection and spousal intimacy.”

5. The Decline of Rituals Erodes Relationship Stability

Simple family rituals — movie nights, Sunday dinners, bedtime stories — create a sense of belonging. When these rituals disappear, children lose security, and couples lose the small, daily moments of connection that protect against relational drift. A 2020 Journal of Family Psychology study showed that couples who maintain family traditions report 25% higher marital satisfaction than those who don’t.

6. Children Benefit, Marriages Benefit More

While research often highlights how family time supports child development, it also protects marriages. Dr. John Gottman, one of the world’s leading marriage researchers, emphasizes that shared experiences act as “bids for connection.” When spouses respond to these bids (through shared family activities), the relationship grows more resilient against stressors that often lead to divorce.

7. Investing in Family Time Is Cheaper Than Divorce

It may sound blunt, but experts agree: time together is an investment. The cost of counseling, divorce proceedings, and fractured co-parenting far outweighs the “cost” of carving out an hour a day for shared meals or weekends away. Research from the Marriage Foundation in the UK found that couples who prioritize at least one family activity per week cut their risk of divorce by nearly 30%.

The Ripple Effect of Family Time

When we prioritize family time, we create a ripple effect that extends beyond our immediate relationships. Strong family bonds foster a sense of community and belonging. They provide a support system that helps us navigate life's challenges with confidence and grace.

Creating Meaningful Connections

To foster these connections, consider incorporating small rituals into your daily life. It could be as simple as having breakfast together or taking a walk after dinner. These moments of togetherness can significantly impact your relationships.

The Power of Shared Experiences

Shared experiences, whether big or small, contribute to the fabric of our family life. They create memories that last a lifetime. When we engage in activities together, we not only strengthen our bonds but also create a treasure trove of shared stories that enrich our lives.

Conclusion

The decline of family time isn’t just a cultural trend — it’s a warning sign for the health of marriages. When families stop gathering, spouses stop connecting, and emotional bonds begin to fray. The rise of divorce is complex, but one thing is clear: protecting family time protects your marriage.

If you want your relationship to thrive, treat family time as sacred. It doesn’t have to be grand gestures — it’s the everyday moments that matter most.

Love, Arlyn xoxox