As a stay at home mom, I spend all of my time with my children, but between cooking, cleaning, laundry, and drop offs how much quality time do I really spend with them. We are so busy with everyday life and we think, that since we stay home with our children that is enough, however, I think we should dedicate special quality time with them.
I came up with an idea for setting up a timer for myself for 30 minutes each day to spend quality time with each of my kids. During that time, I am not allowed to cook, clean, look at the phone, computer, or TV. Instead, I do something special with each of my girls, we color, play dollhouse, bake, do some projects, anything that they want to do.
Once a month I take one of my girls on a (NO cell phone) date. This is a different way to spend one-on-one time with them. We only do it once a month for each child, but during that time, each of the parents take one child for something special. Last month, I took my five year old for a real High Tea, while my husband took our three year old to the movies. It was a great opportunity to catch up on their interests, friends, and things that she liked to do. People don’t think that small children are capable of having a real conversation, but you should try. Ask you child questions about what they like, what are their favorite things in preschool, what books they like, what is their favorite color or activity to do. I promise you will be surprised of some of the things that kids say, at the same time you will make your children feel very special by making the date all about them.
If you want to build a strong relationship with your kids you have to invest in it, and just being around them is not always enough.
Flamikgirls 