Spending time with your children does not necessarily mean long vacations abroad or full day visits to theme parks. Neither do you need to wait for school holidays to play a part in their lives. It is the quality of time spent, not quantity, that makes for significant parental involvement. Below are some family things to do.
Eat Together
Mealtimes provide opportunities for communication and relationship building. How often do you sit down with your family for a meal? CNN [November 7, 2008] quotes an Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine study which found families who regularly eat together are closer than those who eat separately.
But merely sitting together at the same table does not mean the family will automatically interact. Turn off the TV and put your phones to silent to ensure minimal distractions. Keep the conversation light and ask your children questions about their day or opinions about issues. Then let them talk and share openly without interrupting.
Take note that mealtime does not strictly mean dinner at 7pm. It could be breakfast over cereal or Sunday brunch or late night supper. Neither does it have to be a home cooked meal; ready to eat meals or going out for a steak work just as well. Be flexible and open to different meal arrangements to grab a chance to connect with your kids.
Help with Their Homework
Schools do not shoulder the sole responsibility for teaching your children. As a parent you play a vital role in their education. Kids these days are increasingly swamped by homework and their frustrations and anxiety over their workload can be lessened if they know they are not in it alone.
Helping in their homework does not mean you need to know how to solve their homework questions. Help them get organised and set aside a conducive study space devoid of distractions where they can concentrate. Ask them about their assignments and help them learn effectively using their learning styles. Make yourself available to provide guidance where required and acknowledge them for their effort and discipline. These actions show them that you are concerned about their growth and learning.
Tuck Them into Bed
Develop a bedtime routine and be a part of that routine. In a hectic world, this is a rare moment of quiet time together. Use this time to read them a bedtime story or teach them to read their story books. You could even share a personal story about your own childhood. Knowing about your life establishes an emotional connection and helps shape their individual identities.
The physical proximity also releases endorphins, the body’s natural feel good chemical, and provides emotional warmth and security. It is a physical representation of your being there for your kids. Give them a goodnight hug and kiss and always make it a point to let your children know you love them.
Other Ways to Spend Time Together
- Go for a family picnic and soak in some fresh air.
- Go for a drive; teach them how to drive if they are old enough or use this time to relax and communicate.
- Attend a concert or sporting event or arts performance.
- Hang out at the mall or go shopping at flea markets.
- Grow a garden and discover nature’s delight.
- Cook a meal together and experiment with recipes.
- Work on a project: build a wooden cabinet or create a science experiment.
Quality time with your children can be found in everyday moments. With a little creativity and willingness to make parenting your children a priority and routine, you can seize the many opportunities to enhance your family life.
