No matter how you look at it, everyone is busy today. Responsibilities at work, family priorities, and hobbies make it difficult for parents to spend quality time with their children.
Some parents feel guilty that they need to work full-time outside the home. Or may feel anxious when they go to the gym or for a run. Parents may even see others who can work from home and thus spend more time with their kids, and wish they could have a similar opportunity.
So what then can parents do to get the most out of the time they spend with their children? Hopefully these tips can help:
- Work on house chores together. Kids learn by example. Even if you work all week and only have time on the weekends, you probably have several chores you do during the day: Cleaning the house, cooking meals, and taking care of the pets are just a few everyday routine chores. It’s a good time to teach your children how to complete these tasks.
That way, they will better understand how to clean up their rooms, prepare meals, and what kinds of responsibilities they have for pets. And more than that, completing chores together gives you quality time with them. - Make time for one-on-one. Kids need attention from their parents. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to have this kind of time with your busy schedule. Nevertheless, it’s essential to set aside a little time each week to spend with your child. When you set aside this time, ensure that your focus is them. Take them on a fun adventure, read a book together, or talk about the most exciting subjects that come to mind.
If you have more than one child, endeavor to get one-on-one time for each one individually. That way, each child will feel special and know they have a special place in your heart. - Volunteer together. Volunteering together is a great way to spend quality time with your child. Volunteering can be anything you and your child want to do. It could be volunteering at the hospital. It could be volunteering at your church. It could be volunteering at a nursing home. The point is that you get to do something you enjoy, and your child gets to do something with you.
And giving others your time teaches your child an important life lesson: it’s essential to give to others. - Form a special routine specific to you and your kid. For example, you might want to allow your child to choose a story to read with you at night. It could also be preparing breakfast together for the family.
As your child grows, allow them to choose more tasks to be involved in, such as making dinner or helping tidy up the house. Including them in things that matter fosters a sense of urgency and responsibility in their own life. - Try pajama walks. This one can be silly and fun. One evening a week, put on your pajamas and let your kid dress in theirs, or something something comfortable. Now go for a stroll around the neighborhood.
This activity not only gives you and your child a chance to bond, but it also helps them develop a love of the outdoors. It also gets your child ready for bed by the time you get back. That’s a great way to solve the chaotic moment notorious at bedtimes.
Spending time together is one of the most important aspects of parenting. The time you spend with your kids will be a constant source of happiness, inspiration, and love for years to come. And when they grow up, you’ll still be able to look back on those special times with fondness and relive the laughter and love.
