9 Tips for spending quality time with your child
Life is busy and between work and life responsibilities, the days pass us by in the blink of an eye. Parents have a common concern that they are not able to spend enough time with their children. They wonder if this could lead to developmental delays. Some parents feel guilty about working full time, or experience anxiety about choosing to work out at the gym or go to dinner with friends.
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On top of that when you see a social media posts from stay-at-home parents who are able to take their children to the local zoo or work on colors and the alphabet with them only add to this anxiety.
But have no despair! Recent studies have shown that spending quality time is much more important than quantity of time. This is not to negate the importance of time spent with children. Children need high-quality time with parents and caregivers. Quality time spent with the parents and caregiver is most beneficial to children and it leaves a positive effect on them as they grow. It isn’t about endless hours of time but it’s about how you choose to spend that time that truly matters.
As parents and caregivers, we can make choices to ensure time spent with our children is high-quality.
9 Tips for spending quality time with your child
1. “WE” Time
Have a daily “WE” time with your child. Do this face-to-face, if possible; but if this isn’t an option, create a routine for doing so in other ways, such as leaving a note in your child’s lunch bag, posting a note by his toothbrush, or writing an encouraging saying on a shared whiteboard in the house.
2. Daily Ritual
Create a special ritual for you and your child—something that can be done every day. For example, let your child choose and read one book with you at bedtime.
3. Say the magic word daily
Tell your child you love her every day. And tell her how important she is to you and how she makes you feel.
4. Reinforce positive behavior
For example, if your child completes his chores without your asking, do acknowledge it with words of appreciation.
5. Meal Minutes
Make and eat meals with your children whenever possible. If time is limited, look for simple meals that require very little preparation, or grab a healthy snack such as an apple and sit for a few minutes and chat with your child.
6. “You Choose” Activity
Schedule time for doing an activity of your child’s choosing. Be sure to follow through and complete the activity without any distractions.
7. Play with your child
Play with your child, even if it’s during bath time or outside before you drop her off at preschool. Every little bit of time makes a positive impact!
8. Be Silly
Laugh and be silly with your child.
9. NO-Tech.
Turn off technology when you spend time with your child. Try not to text, answer calls, scroll through social media, or watch television.
To make your relationship stronger with your child you need to spend quality time with them, not quantity of time. Keep it simple and connect with your child in ways that make sense for your lifestyle and relationships. Each connection has a lasting impact and provides the support and reassurance* that your child needs.
Parents play a very important role in their child’s life.
Happy parenting is every parent’s delight.
All the best wishes to you on this amazing journey. This will surely give us an easy life.
If these tips help you in finding your answer, please comment. You can also comment, if you are having any other questions related to parenting.
