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Parenting TIP – Make the most of your time together.
Spending time with our children might seem like a dream that can never happen. Not spending time with your children will likely result in a nightmare of regrets. Making time to build relationship with your children is like putting money in the bank. It builds relationship capital that you will need when you want to help your child make wise choices, or when you want your child to accept correction when they are wrong. Furthermore, it’s fun!
Build structure. Consider making one dinner a week mandatory for all family members, allowing no telephone interruptions or visits from friends. This gives family members a chance to talk about what’s going on and to focus on each other.
Seize the moment. Catch up with your child whenever you have an opportunity, though this may require some spontaneity. Being in a car together is almost always a good chance to talk; ordering a pizza to share when you have a quiet night at home is another way to catch up.
Eliminate distractions. Cutting down on household distractions, such as the radio and television, sets the stage for conversation. Try to leave margins of time when you choose not to bury yourself in the paper or a book.
Limit Technology. Don’t settle for shallow entertainment in front of the TV or on your cell phone. Have dinner together as a family, or play board games together when that is not possible.
Plan Family Activities. Do something they enjoy doing, crawl together, read books out loud, take a late night walk outside of town with a flashlight, surprise them with a love note in their backpack, tickle them, have pillow fights. Attend their special events.
Your schedule may prevent you from going to every game or recital, but make an effort to be there for the most important ones. Develop common interests with your child such as a sport or biking, art or music. Talk to them, when they want to talk. Make an effort to stop what you are doing and really listen. Don’t wait too long, or your children will find meaningful relationships outside the home before you even know what happened. Don’t count on them making wise friend choices without your influence and a strong relationship.