Most Americans Believe Family Time ‘Is Very Important’
By Movieguide® Contributor
In an age when Americans feel divided, most agree that spending time with their families is a top priority.
Regardless of political affiliation, over 90% of Americans agree that time with family is very important to them, and over 70% say it is one of the most important things.
The importance of family was far and away more agreed upon than the next most important things: practicing your religious faith (32%), being physically active (31%) and being outdoors and experiencing nature (29%).
While not every family celebrates Thanksgiving together, most will come together at some point during the holiday season. Roughly 70% of Americans live within an hour’s drive of at least some extended family, and 28% live within an hour’s drive of most or all of their extended family.
Many prioritize living near relatives, as 75% of Americans find it at least somewhat important to live near family, with the emphasis rising with age. Women are more likely to find it important than men.
Despite the desire for family time, a study commissioned by Visit Anaheim found that families typically only spend 37 minutes together on weekdays.
Beyond family, Americans also believe having close friends will help them live fulfilling lives. Six in 10 U.S. adults say that having close friends is important or extremely important for them. This heavily outranked having children (26%), having a lot of money (24%) or being married (23%).
These statistics reveal that Americans value community. They want to have meaningful relationships with people who live near them. These values reflect humanity’s most basic need of companionship, something God created us for.
Not only did God create humanity in his own triune image, but in the Creation story, He also said it was not good for man to be alone and created a companion for Adam in Eve.
While American values are largely slipping away from Christian principles, God clearly put the need for companionship so deeply in humanity’s heart that no matter what, we cannot escape it.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes shared why he emphasizes family time. Movieguide® reported:
Bringing their kids to training is part of Patrick’s work-life balance, something he prioritizes.
“I actually talked to Peyton [Manning] about it for a while,” he said. “What stuck with me is he said, ‘At the end of my career, I wish I would have done it so my kids could’ve seen what I was doing every day.’”
He continued, “When my kids grow up, I wanted them to see that dad wasn’t just gone just to be gone. I was gone doing something, to build, to be great. And so, whenever they get older, they can see how hard I worked.”
During a press conference, the quarterback spoke further about what he wants his kids to take away from his career…
The football player continued, “And so I think that’s what I’m trying to do with my kids now is obviously I’m trying to parent in my own way, but I want them to enjoy life. And they’re young now, but if they want to play sports, they can play sports. If they don’t, they don’t have to and just enjoy it and to follow their dreams.”
