What Habits are You Creating in Your Family? - Dr. James Dobson Family Institute

May 14, 2026 - 01:48

After a long day at work, it is easy to come home exhausted and simply want to collapse. The instinct to relax is strong, but family time can quickly turn into another chance to mentally check out. Brenen Beeler raises a sharp question that many parents might not stop to consider: What habits are you actually creating in your family right now?

Think about the end of the day. Do your children feel more loved after an hour spent alone staring at their phones, or do they feel closer to you after a few minutes of real, focused attention? The difference matters more than most people realize. Small routines, like putting down devices during dinner or asking about the best part of their day, build a foundation of connection. On the other hand, zoning out in front of a screen teaches kids that isolation is the norm.

The window of time when your children actually want to be around you is shorter than you think. Reclaim those moments now. Put the phone away, look them in the eye, and be present. You will not regret making that choice. The habits you build today will shape the memories your family carries for a lifetime.