There is nothing as important as spending time with your children. Unfortunately, time is a limited commodity, and nobody has enough. That is why it is important to make every second that you can be with them as valuable as you possibly can.
The following are a couple of inspirations that may help you to improve the quality of the time you spend with your kids. Unlike guidelines, these are only designed to make you think more deeply about your relationship with your family, and with yourself.
1. Pencil Them In
You should set aside at least a few hours at the same time and day every week, to spend with your kids. This teaches them to trust you, and lets them know that they can count on you, which can deepen the overall relationship. It also gives them a positive, regular routine. Routines are important for kids because it helps them earn about the cyclic nature of the world, which in turn can help them to develop the quality of dependability.
2. Turn Off That Phone!
Maybe you can't completely isolate yourself from the world but you can at least put your cell phone on silent when you are with your kids. Don't make them take a backseat to whoever decides to call you. If there is an emergency, whoever it is will leave a message. In the meantime, you have to focus on what is most important in your life.
3. Give Each Child Special Time
If you have more than one kid, it is important that you don't start lumping them together as "the children". Each one is unique and special in their own way, and you have to treat them such. Make time to pursue special activities with each of them separately, and use this time to get to know who they are on a deeper level. Just be certain to spend equal time with each child, and to make it clear that is what you are doing. Otherwise you could end up with some hurt fealings.
4. Family Time
While you have to spend some time alone with each of your children, it is also important to create a sense of unity within the whole family. That is why activities such as family outings, and vacations are so important. The memories that are built, help to give the kids an identity as part of the family as a whole, and brings you all closer together.
5. Don't be Afraid to Do Things You Like
Your kids are smarter than you think. Just because you don't they would like an activity that you enjoy, doesn't mean you shouldn't try it out. Whether it's the opera, a sports game, or even just walking through a book store, there are ways to help your child enjoy these activities. Just be sure to explain what is going on in clear details, and answer any questions they may have.
6. You Can Have Fun Doing Kids Stuff Too
That's right, kids stuff is fun. Just because you're a snooty old adult doesn't mean you can't participate with enthusiasm. Join in sing along's, clap your hands, laugh, and don't take yourself too seriously. You will have more fun, and so will your children.
7. Don't Get Overwhelmed
As a parent you do everything for your children. But it is important that you do some small things for yourself as well. If you are too selfless with them, you might start to resent them, which would be a horrible situation to get into. Make sure to occasionally take time off and do something to pamper you. Whether it is spending 15 minutes a day alone reading or going to a spa resort every few months, you will be happier, which will make your kids happier.
8. Don't Be Boring
Spice things up, try new things, and don't be afraid to experiment. The same old activities will eventually be as boring for your kids as they are for you. In doing new things, which you have never tried before, you will create truly unique memories which are very powerful and important.
These are just a list of things to consider when evaluating your relationship with your kids. None of them are hard rules; they are merely designed to make you think. As you explore your relationship with your children, it is always important to evaluate your time together, and make sure that it is as effective as it can possibly be. - 30443
The following are a couple of inspirations that may help you to improve the quality of the time you spend with your kids. Unlike guidelines, these are only designed to make you think more deeply about your relationship with your family, and with yourself.
1. Pencil Them In
You should set aside at least a few hours at the same time and day every week, to spend with your kids. This teaches them to trust you, and lets them know that they can count on you, which can deepen the overall relationship. It also gives them a positive, regular routine. Routines are important for kids because it helps them earn about the cyclic nature of the world, which in turn can help them to develop the quality of dependability.
2. Turn Off That Phone!
Maybe you can't completely isolate yourself from the world but you can at least put your cell phone on silent when you are with your kids. Don't make them take a backseat to whoever decides to call you. If there is an emergency, whoever it is will leave a message. In the meantime, you have to focus on what is most important in your life.
3. Give Each Child Special Time
If you have more than one kid, it is important that you don't start lumping them together as "the children". Each one is unique and special in their own way, and you have to treat them such. Make time to pursue special activities with each of them separately, and use this time to get to know who they are on a deeper level. Just be certain to spend equal time with each child, and to make it clear that is what you are doing. Otherwise you could end up with some hurt fealings.
4. Family Time
While you have to spend some time alone with each of your children, it is also important to create a sense of unity within the whole family. That is why activities such as family outings, and vacations are so important. The memories that are built, help to give the kids an identity as part of the family as a whole, and brings you all closer together.
5. Don't be Afraid to Do Things You Like
Your kids are smarter than you think. Just because you don't they would like an activity that you enjoy, doesn't mean you shouldn't try it out. Whether it's the opera, a sports game, or even just walking through a book store, there are ways to help your child enjoy these activities. Just be sure to explain what is going on in clear details, and answer any questions they may have.
6. You Can Have Fun Doing Kids Stuff Too
That's right, kids stuff is fun. Just because you're a snooty old adult doesn't mean you can't participate with enthusiasm. Join in sing along's, clap your hands, laugh, and don't take yourself too seriously. You will have more fun, and so will your children.
7. Don't Get Overwhelmed
As a parent you do everything for your children. But it is important that you do some small things for yourself as well. If you are too selfless with them, you might start to resent them, which would be a horrible situation to get into. Make sure to occasionally take time off and do something to pamper you. Whether it is spending 15 minutes a day alone reading or going to a spa resort every few months, you will be happier, which will make your kids happier.
8. Don't Be Boring
Spice things up, try new things, and don't be afraid to experiment. The same old activities will eventually be as boring for your kids as they are for you. In doing new things, which you have never tried before, you will create truly unique memories which are very powerful and important.
These are just a list of things to consider when evaluating your relationship with your kids. None of them are hard rules; they are merely designed to make you think. As you explore your relationship with your children, it is always important to evaluate your time together, and make sure that it is as effective as it can possibly be. - 30443
About the Author:
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