Spending Quality Time with Your Children Is a Sound Investment
Our world is so busy. Sometimes it feels like we have to compete for time with the ones we love. Our most important investment as parents is our kids. Spending quality time does not mean eating dinner in front of the television together. It doesn’t mean spending time watching our kids in all their activities – though we should be there to support them. Quality time with our kids is one-on-one time. Sometimes your kids might feel like you are infringing on their time. They are in sporting activities, extracurricular classes, working or playing on the computer, texting with a friend, or watching TV. As a parent, you have to step up, and while you are there, put your foot down. Your children are going to feel a great sense of importance in the family if you create quality time for them.
Dinner Time is Quality Time
Make it a habit to eat dinner together each night, or as many nights as possible. Turn the TV off, and listen to each other. Ask your kids about their day. Who are they are hanging out with? What happened at school? What’s new? If you have common interests, use them as topics, especially with older kids who are becoming more independent.
Dinner time is an investment in a long-term relationship with your children. You are taking at least 30 minutes out of your day to talk to your kids on a one-on-one basis. You are opening the door for them to ask you questions and for you to share yourself with them, too.
Make a Date with Your Children
When your kids are younger, not working, not driving, and not with their peers, take advantage of it to build a sturdy foundation for a good relationship with them.
- Take them to the park and play on the swings or walk the trails. Point out different types of trees, animals, rocks, and plants. They will love being with you as you explore nature.
- Take them fishing, either off the shore or in a canoe or boat. They will love being near the water. You can teach them about water safety, how to worm a hook, and how to get a fish off the hook. You can watch them light up when they catch a fish. Revel in their joy.
- Take them out in the yard and play catch, shoot hoops at a basketball goal, hit golf balls, play some family baseball, or even look for four leaf clovers .
- Play board games around the table with the whole family.
- Give them three choices, and let them choose what to cook for dinner. Teach them how to fix their favorite meals.
A Wise Investment that Cost Your Time, Not Your Money
Almost anything active, outdoors, or creative will count as quality time. You will not have to even spend money during these times, which shows your kids they can create their own entertainment without material things. Not only are you building your relationship, but your kids are building their imaginations during these fun time with parents. Remember, there should be much laughter and silliness.
All these activities/dates at an early stage in their lives will help create a bond between you and your kids.These times will provide teaching moments for you, and lots of memories for you and your kids.As your children grow older and start becoming independent, they will still enjoy these times with you.The older they become, the more your relationship will mature and lead into their adult lives. Your investment will pay off when you meet your adult child for quality time as a friend in the future.
You Can't Go Wrong with Quality Time
Quality time creates memories and encourages your children to feel important and wanted. You are helping them build values and a sense of family and loyalty. You are also building respect, love, self-confidence, and self-worth with your child. It can also ensure that your children will want to remain in your life as they become adults. The memories, laughter, and time spent will be an investment with many returns.
© 2012 Susan Holland