Leisure and Family : A Mutually Supportive Relationship

W. H. Davies in his lovely poem 'leisure' states the wonder of a life worth living where one has no time for leisure, why we are so full of worry that we can hardly steal little time to stand still and watch the world go by. What is this life if, full of care we have no time to stand and stare. No time to stand beneath the boughs and stare as long as sheep or cows.    No time to see, in broad day light streams full of stars like skies at night. A poor life this is if, full of care we have no time to stand and stare.

                    The loneliness and isolation of an individual has been a persistent theme in twentieth century.       We were all born social and need company to live a happy and fruitful life. The institution of family has been with us with a set of cultural patterns as the oldest pattern of social life. Researches by cultural anthropologists, sociologists and psychologists reveal the importance of family in shaping one's personality. the basic psycho-social cultural elements in a family is the fellowship which springs from sharing and caring in leisure hours by way of interaction and inter-communication with each other in their respective roles to create a common familial culture.

          It is true that human beings find time to catch up with family and friends during their tea and lunch breaks. Hence they need to find time to cultivate and nurture their relationships and it is all about effective time management.

          Leisure time not only builds the self esteem but also self confidence of an individual member of the family. They start sharing a very strong bond with each other which becomes irrevocable. Sensitization towards emotional situation tends to become easier.