How does a busy wife and mom find extra time in her day to really focus on quality time with her kids?
That’s a good question!
If you’ve been following my blog the last few days, then you already know I struggle in this area. But I’m working on it!
I brain-stormed a few practical ways to spend more quality time with your kids, but first I want to clarify a few things.
So what do I mean by quality time?
I’m referring to the “love language” quality time, as described in The 5 Love Languages of Children, by Gary Chapman. I highly recommend this book, by the way!
How do I know if my child’s love language is Quality Time?
The biggest clue is that your child will ask for extra time with you, or complain about not having enough one-on-one time with you.
All children need time with their parents, but if your child’s love language is quality time then he or she will absolutely thrive on in (and whither emotionally without it). Spending time with this child is what makes him or her really, really feel loved.
15 Ways to Spend More Quality Time with Your Kids
- Read to your kids. Easier said than done on busy days, but very important.
- Tell a bed time story. My three-year old asks for one every night!
- Always, always, take a minute to tell your kids goodnight before they go to sleep. I want my children to go to sleep with their emotional “love tanks” full!
- Include your child in what you’re doing throughout the day. It’s easy to send kids “out” when you’re busy, but this can be especially hurtful for a child who craves your attention.
- Take your child with you while you run errands or grocery shop. A little one-on-one time with Mama is very special.
- Go on a walk with your child. Again, make it one-on-one time.
- Watch a favorite DVD together. Maybe during nap time while other siblings are snoozing.
- Take your child on a “date”. My husband does this with each of our children throughout the year and they LOVE it!
- Play a game together. Focus on togetherness, not on rules or who is winning.
- Work on a project together. My daughter loves it when I help her with a craft or painting project.
- Just sit and talk. But mainly listen.
- Find a hobby you both enjoy. My husband and daughter share many mutual interests.
- Be interested in your child’s hobbies, just because. Your child will feel valued when you get excited about what he or she loves.
- Make the most of every day tasks. When you sit down to fold a basket of laundry, say, “Hey, wanna come help me? We talk can about ________.”
- Realize that what seems so important right now is not as important as your child. It can wait.
“If our children see us neglect other things in order to spend time with them, they will realize how important they are to us.” – Gary Smalley, The Key to Your Child’s Heart
What would you add to this list?
