  Not many people are aware of the role that family time has in the success of an individual.  The subject of how family time affects school age children interest me because my parents placed values in me on the importance of spending time with family. Ultimately, my parents raised me to believe that families are meant to have a strong bond. Because of the quality time that we spent actively involved with each other, I believe that I have experienced and learned things that have made me a better individual.  The presence of quality family time has not only influenced my life but has perhaps set the stage to how I want my family to be structured in the future. I believe quality family time assists in shaping children with strong values, who have a sense of who they are, and are aware of the many obstacles that life brings. My personal experience was great, as I grew up in a family who valued quality time together. I am in the position to pursue a degree in nursing because I learned the importance of being in school and spending quality time with my parents. I have also learned many life lessons from my parents that school does not teach. I had a sense of belonging, feeling loved, and being protected due to the effects of this interaction. I have witnessed the effect the lack of family time has on children, as I know a family member who is still suffering from it. This individual grew up in a single parent home, where the mother did not know the importance of family time. Therefore, the individual turned to other sources in search for that quality time. These influences helped to develop an adult who now lacks many moral values and respect for their family. My passion for quality family time qualifies me to write about this topic.  I am aware of the effects that it has had in many family's households in the United States. In addition, I have done a lot of research on this topic in order to gain understanding on the different aspects of family time.

