Working parents often feel guilty about not spending as much time with their children as they would like due to needing to work. Let’s face it, in today’s economy, it often takes both parents making a living to make ends meet. Of course, the ideal situation is that at least one parent be home with children until they begin school, but this is often not practical in most families. Parents shouldn’t have to feel guilty about leaving their children in the care of a responsible person(s).
How can you help your child the most when both parents, or in the case of a single parent who must work, it’s important to take some special time to be with their children. Try to spend at least 30 minutes a day with your child, giving them your complete attention. In the case of two parents, each should try to give each child at least 15 minutes of uninterrupted, one on one time with each child, each day, whenever it’s possible. Use this time to listen, and talk about the day, talk about plans to do something together, play a short game together, to simply be there.
By spending time with your child you and your child reap many benefits. This extra time helps a child to feel loved and important, it helps to show your child what is important in life, and what you value. It helps you to understand your child better, helps your child understand what is going on around them, and allows you both to voice thoughts, feelings, and concerns.
Most importantly, it helps the family grow stronger bonds. Remember, your child will not be young forever. They do eventually become teenagers. Most problems and strong issues begin once the teenage years begin and well after. If you haven’t developed this strong bond and a good, solid relationship, it’s going to be much more difficult to weather out those occasional storms of adolescents.
Some things you can do to help strengthen your bond with your child can include anything that the two of you like to do together. Are you stuck for ideas? Try some of these:
- Cook together.
- Play sports.
- Try their hobbies or share your own with them
- Attend a concert, show or movie together. Our local community is continuing offering local events to attend as a family.
- Shopping trip.
- Have a movie or game night.
- Go on a bike ride or walk together. Exercise is a great way to bond.
- Read a book together – this works great for younger children.
- Make a craft or start a project together.
These are just a few of many things you can do together. Start making quality time for each child, this July during National Make a Difference to a Child Month. You’ll be amazed at the difference it can make.