In many households, family members now spend far less time together than previous generations did. In my view, this is mainly the result of longer working hours and the growth of personal technology, and it can be addressed through deliberate family routines and more flexible working arrangements.
The first cause is the pressure of modern working life. Many parents work long hours, commute considerable distances or have jobs with irregular shifts, which means they may leave before their children wake and return after they are in bed. Even at weekends, work emails and messages can intrude on family time. Children's schedules have also become busier, with after-school clubs, private tuition and sports training filling their evenings. A second cause is personal technology. Whereas families once gathered around a single television, each member now has a phone or tablet offering individual entertainment, so it is common for parents and children to be in the same house yet occupied with entirely separate activities.
Several measures could help. Families themselves can establish simple routines, such as eating dinner together on most evenings without devices or reserving one afternoon each weekend for a shared activity like cooking, walking or playing a game. Such habits are easy to begin and often become valued traditions. Employers also have a role to play. Allowing parents to work from home on some days or to choose their start and finish times would enable them to be present at important moments, such as the school run or bedtime. In addition, governments could encourage employers to respect limits on contacting staff outside working hours.
In conclusion, families spend less time together largely because of demanding jobs, busy schedules and individual devices. Regular shared routines, combined with more flexible and family-friendly working practices, offer a realistic way to restore that lost time.