Life is busy, especially for parents and families. As the days go by our to-do lists become fuller and other priorities seem to take precedence over quality family time. Research shows that it is vital to schedule recurring family time with your children (Jones, 2017). As busy parents, you spend plenty of with your children, however it is truly quality time. Quality time is time with your children and giving them your undivided attention doing tasks that they like to do. Spending quality time with your children does not have to be a huge undertaking, it can as simple as taking a few minutes each day to spend together without any distractions (Alvardo, n.d,).
So why is quality time with our kids so important? According to Jones (2017), children are less likely to have behavioral issues at home or at school. Children who are spending more quality time with their families are less likely to participate in risky behaviors such as drug and alcohol usage . Showing your children that you love and care for them help to keep them mentally and emotionally strong. As a parent the best way to do this is to spend quality time with them on a regular basis. Children who spending more quality time with their families are more likely to be physically healthy (Rider, 2018). Overall, spending quality time with your children is important to them, but is also important to your own well-being.
Tips for Making Quality Time
Here are some simple tips for spending quality time with your children:
Connect daily with your child. Whether it is face-to-face connections before school and work or sending them a little note in their lunch bags, any type of connection with your children is important and valuable.
Tell your child that you love them every day. Let your child know why you love and value them.
Create some routine ritual, such as picking and reading a short book before bed time.
Reinforce positive behaviors with your appreciation.
Cook a meal and eat together. This allows for the family to talk to one another as well as fosters teamwork.
Schedule time to do an activity with your child, let them choose. Such as crafting, baking, family game night, etc.
Play with your child, even if it is just for a few minutes.
Tell jokes and laugh with your child. Laughter is great for improving emotional health.
Take time away from technology for a half an hour and just spend time listening and talking to your child.
