The opportunity to have quality time with our children begins with our daily routine. It refers to engaging in regular activities and spending time with meaningful interactions. Spending quality time can be something other than a big party or a special weekend outing.
Parents sometimes need help with time over the multiple responsibilities we have at work and home. However, we must still allocate our time wisely to dedicate enough time to our children.
General Principles for Quality Time:
- Be authentic. How do you feel when you see Facebook posts about your friends taking their children for holidays or indulging them in a new experience? Did you make a comparison of what you do with your children? Instead of making comparisons, focusing on activities that suit your family’s budget and lifestyle is more constructive.
- Pay attention. Care for your children by being a good listener to what they say. Stay present whenever you get time with time rather than pondering away or looking at your phone.
- Show appreciation. Give your child plenty of praise and positive reinforcement. Congratulate them when they bring their grades up in a subject that has been difcult for them. Thank them for being patient with their younger siblings or setting the table without being asked.
- Discover their interests. Discover what they like so that you can participate too. You may both enjoy playing video games, walking, or running together.
- Make updates. Our child’s needs will change over time. Their interest may change as they grow from a toddler to a preschooler. Be aware of the newer needs and wants and share with them that you have always observed these changes.
- Remain available. Quality time can happen anywhere. We can fnd promising opportunities if you make ourselves accessible.
Practical Examples of Quality Time:
- Eat family meals. Dine together as often as possible. Go after a specifc frequency weekly, and work towards that to maximize your communication opportunities.
- Share chores. Ask your children to join you when shopping for groceries or cleaning the house. You’ll have a chance to talk, and they’ll learn valuable life skills.
- Schedule one-on-one time. Arrange to spend some individual time with each of your children regularly. You will learn more about them and enjoy meaningful conversations you would otherwise miss.
- Travel together. Family vacations and driving to soccer practice provide time to talk while you’re heading to your destination. Check in with each other and let the conversation fow naturally.
- Volunteer as a family. Helping others can draw you closer to your children. Support a cause you both care about and browse online for a local volunteer clearinghouse where you can explore your options.
- Take pictures. Face-to-face communications are the most signifcant, but sharing photos can help you stay in touch too. Send each other funny or moving images you come across during your day. Build an album you can look through together.
- Connect daily. Even if you work outside the home and see your child for only a few hours most days, quality time pays of as long as you’re consistent. Make it a habit to chat for about 15 minutes when you arrive home or before bed.
Use quality time to build a positive relationship with your child and give them a solid foundation for becoming happy and productive adults. Savor the moments you spend together and create memories you both will cherish.
