Looking after your family is important. Here are some ways in which we can improve our families' lives and take care of them. This is an advertorial.

Spend quality time with them

Spending time with your family is important. It's not always easy if you work different hours than your partner or have to pay for childcare but if you can make the time it's well worth it. Connect to them by talking about what they have done in the day. Have regular family meals together if possible. Do things together with the kids like go to the cinema, bowling or go for meals out.  Make an effort to see your parents when possible or ring them regularly if they don't live nearby.

Try and communicate openly and honestly

Set some family rules and communicate openly and honestly. Explain boundaries and why they are in place, this is important for all ages from toddlers to teens. Be a good listener and show empathy and make time to listen to your family's concerns. Spend time with your children on a one-to-one as concerns can be easier to air in this setting. 

Save regularly

When your children are young it's worth putting aside money regularly for them. They could use it when they are adults, to help with college or university, to buy a car, move into their first home or even for their wedding. None of these things are cheap and you will be helping them on their first steps into adult life. Check out the basics of setting up a saving plan here.

Protect your family

If something happens to you or your partner then life insurance or funeral cover can give you peace of mind. Protect your family and they won't have to worry about the cost of these things in the future, taking some of the stress out of the situation. You will be surprised how little money you have to put away every month for peace of mind. 

Think of their health

Consider private healthcare if you can afford it. In worrying times it can help if you have some money aside for private healthcare. You can pay monthly into a health care plan for you and your family or you can pay as you go to get seen sooner privately and avoid the NHS queues. Sometimes you may have to if the waiting lists are long. If you have a worrying healthcare situation and if you have the money then it can be worth doing.

Look after yourself

The last thing I want to say is to look after yourself. This is so important as you no doubt look after everyone else! Take time to treat yourself every day, even if it's only a small indulgence like a new book or a bar of chocolate. Try to have a little time to yourself as well, even if it is only 10 minutes away from the kids. 

So here are 6 important ways to look after your family. Do you have any more ideas?

*AD