“Quality time is time with your children and giving them your undivided attention doing tasks that they like to do.” (Roudabush, 2019)
How often do we forget it? Giving them undivided attention while doing what they like to do is critical. But, unfortunately, it happens less than we care to admit. The demands of work, errands, and chores can quickly crowd out time with our children. Even when we are home, technoogy and other things we have going on in our lives can distract us.
Quality Time: 5 Simple Ways
- Make the Best of Your Commute. Get the conversation going while you are taking the kids to school. The key to pulling this off is asking many questions (See our Conversation Starters.) But for younger children, I will sometimes pull it off by feeding their imaginations. Our car rides turn into trips to the moon, or sometimes we are on a safari. This exercise opens up opportunities for me to sprinkle in space facts or exercise my knowledge in instrumentation. My kids learn on the way to school. It is also a great time to prepare them to learn and ask questions.
- Eat Dinner Together. The benefits of eating together as a family are well documented. It is a great time to talk about your day and connect with your kids. Plus, it sets a healthy eating example for them. Aim for a few nights a week if you can’t manage every night.
- Make Family Game Night a Regular Thing. Quality family time isn’t complicated and it doesn’t cost anything. A simple board game, some cards, or even an active game like Twister can bring the family together for fun. And don’t forget about video games! Games like Just Dance are a great way to get everyone up and moving.
- Get Outside and Play. One of the best ways to spend quality time with your kids is to get outside and play together. It’s a chance to burn off some energy, get fresh air, and bond with your children. Go on a Bike Ride, Fly a Kite, or explore your neighborhood.
- Do a Family Project. It can be as simple as planting a garden, building a fort out of blankets, or cooking dinner together. The important thing is that you are working together towards a common goal.
You may also like:
This post was proofread by Grammarly