Book excerpt: The founders of a lauded family advocacy organization present a guide for reclaiming family life, even in the most hectic households. In the past twenty years, children's free time has declined by twelve hours a week, time spent on structured sports activities has doubled, family dinners are down by a third, and the number of families taking vacations together has decreased by 28 percent. When William J. Doherty and Barbara Z. Carlson observed this trend in their own families and community, they took action and founded Family Life First, an organization committed to helping parents reclaim family time. Doherty and Carlson offer realistic ways to regain valuable family connections and embark on more balanced, meaningful relationships at home. Drawing on their years of hands-on experience, they share tips for time-crunched parents on how to: --get everyone to sit down for family meals --make bedtime a meaningful end to the day --plan family outings and vacations --make time for your marriage More than just a time-management manual, this book delves into the issues that lie at the heart of all family-related choices, revealing innovative ways to address scheduling conflicts, competitiveness, and the many other situations that cause daily angst. Offering a new perspective on a fraying institution, Putting Family First restores a sense of fulfillment, fun, and security to the family once again.