How long has it been since your family had the chance to spend some quality time together and appreciate each other?

That’s exactly what National Families Week hopes to encourage families to do from May 15 to 21.

The week has been celebrated across Australia since 2003 to recognise the vital role families play in society.

The 2017 theme is “Stronger Families, Stronger Communities.”

The theme highlights the important role families play as the central building block of communities and the message that community wellbeing is enhanced by family wellbeing.

Last year more than 130,000 people registered to attend events during the week right across the country.

To get involved in an event this year go to the National Families Week website, your local council website or the Families Australia website.

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While there are many community focused events going on during the week, family begins in the home.

When was the last time you stopped and gave your child a hug just because? Or, made time for a family dinner — together?

Have you taken the time to sit down and have a family discussion on what everyone has been up to or what is coming up recently?

In today's busy world where most households have two parents working and children participating in many extracurricular activities, it is hard to all be in the same place at the same time.

But it is important every now and then to reconnect with the people who share the same house as you and enjoy their company.

It doesn't mean staying home either.

You could pack a picnic and spend some time in the park.

A family visit to the grandparent’s house or if you don't have any there are some wonderful programs where you can adopt a granny or grandpa — not only will you feel good for making an effort, the person you visit will appreciate your company and quite likely you would have made their week.

If children see healthy relationships they are more likely to develop one themselves with others.

Make sure you have quality adult time as well so children see harmony in the home.