Undeniably, pastime with family members plays a crucial role in a child’s rearing. However, some people consider leisure time spent with families may be meaningless or even have an adversary effect. In this essay we will discuss both opinions, provide relevant explanations and take a stance of one of the views.
Family plays a significant role in a child’s development. Although many believe that it is the responsibility of educational institutions to instill ethics, morals and code of behaviour in children, family is the one that holds accountable for this job. Hence, quality time together with parents on a regular basis is a better way to raise a child than expecting schools to do it in comparatively shorter time span. Undoubtedly, spending free time contributes to fostering family bonds, which is highly beneficial both for society and a family itself. Children, whose family bonds are robust, are willing to trust their parents and are deterred from suspicious activities which may lead to child’s delinquency.
Nevertheless, some people argue that family time is as trustworthy as believed. For a start, not all families are as perfect: parents may abuse their children, to make matter worse, bully them. Clearly, it is not advised to stay in such families. Apart from that, since in the modern world the most widespread family pattern is dual-income one, parents may not dully devote their attention or time to their child. Hence, in this situation a child is not exposed to family customs or parental admonition, making the notion of family time senseless and in some cases contributing to a child’s waywardness, which adds no value neither to a child or the society in a long-term perspective.
In conclusion, to a large extent, free time with family is essential in such questions as bonding, preserving traditions, learning to share and speak off the heart. Having said that, I strongly believe that the balance should be maintained and a child should be encouraged to spend spare time with peers and their relatives as well. Children should be provided with a variety of types of interaction in their free time unless it is harmful for them.
