Being a parent requires availability and organization, especially when we add work, daily chores, and extra-curricular activities to family life. It can sometimes be difficult to find quality time with our family and children. Nevertheless, sharing privileged moments is very important for a child and essential to their development.
Why spending time with family is so important?
- Provides the child a feeling of being loved and a sense of security;
- Creates bonds within the family circle: development of bonds with siblings’ and/or with parents allows children to confide more easily when needed;
- Increases acceptance of others: spending time together helps us get to know and understand each other’s personality better. This allows the child to develop adaptability, empathy, patience and understanding;
- Reinforces self-esteem: children who develop strong and solid bonds with those around them tend to have better self-esteem;
- Creates happy memories;
- Relieves stress and anxiety: being with people we love and participating in fun daily activities, provides peace and serenity.
Here are some tips on how to get there, without feeling guilty!
Tip #1: Get Organized!
You may find it difficult to be totally available to your child, and they may feel it.
To start successfully:
- Develop a schedule: write out some activities you’d like to do and set priorities;
- Try to work on certain things after your child is in bed: this will allow you to make the most of the free time with your child;
- Set deadlines: this helps you feel less overwhelmed;
- Book one weekend per month where you devote free time to your children and family.
Tip #2: Involve your kids!
- Provide them daily chores to complete with you: your child will be proud, and it can help teach them to be more self-sufficient. Obviously, you would go much faster if you did it yourself, but isn’t it more fun doing it together?
- Go shopping together to choose different games; get advice if necessary, then choose a game in which everyone would like to play.
Tip #3: Create new family traditions!
- Don’t wait for holidays or big family events to spend time with your loved ones;
- Sign up for parent-child activities: there are many sports and/or leisure organizations that offer family activities;
- Create traditions: organize a dinner for the hockey game or plan a Sunday movie night;
- Ask everyone to put their cell phone aside and enjoy the moment.
What to keep in mind!
- Having special moments with your children is essential;
- The most important thing is not the duration but the frequency of family moments;
- Developing a relationship of trust with your children takes time;
- Daily activities are opportunities to spend time with your child;
- Don’t feel guilty! The perfect parent does not exist; they just do their best.