This is a partnered post.
Between a full work week with some late hours at the office and a schedule full of extracurricular activities, both parents and children seem to have equally busy schedules, rarely allowing for an opportunity to connect. While our busy schedules are full of things that must get done, setting aside some quality bonding time with your child is important and can be integral to his or her development. Time flies as is (as if you need reminding) and if you don’t take time to bond with your child, when you can, you may miss out altogether. Here are some ideas to engage in some quality time with your child:
Try Something New
Maybe you and your son or daughter always grab a bite to eat at his or her favorite restaurant or have a scoop of ice cream at the neighborhood ice cream parlour. While there’s nothing wrong with having a routine and sticking to it for posterity’s sake, why not try something new that neither of you have tried? Whether you decide to head to the local pond and try your hand at fishing or try out a climbing wall, consider choosing an activity that interests both of you (or at least your son or daughter is willing to try). Don’t push your son or daughter to do something that you love, but he or she has no interest in (the battle is often not worth the time). Remember, at the end of successful climb on the wall, you can still hit up your favorite ice cream parlour.
Take a Class Together
What better way to connect than to learn something together? Whether you live in a small town or a big city, there are several opportunities to enroll in a class with your child (just check out community education or classes at your local art studio/gallery). Ever wanted to learn a few more yoga moves more than the tree pose or learn how to use a pottery wheel? Taking a class with your child is a great way to spend time together, try something new, and make some memories.
Play Games
In a world of screen time, there’s a good chance that your son or daughter has a favorite game that he or she will play when given the chance (much to your chagrin). Rather than discounting his or her game to “just a kid’s gameâ€, sit down, ask him or her how to play, and spend a little bit of time letting him or her “school youâ€. It’s also a perfect opportunity to teach your son or daughter how to play your favorite online game, such as baccarat or poker. While too much screen time is not an ideal way to have quality time with your child, it’s a great opportunity to discuss issues like gambling addiction and why it’s important to have well-rounded hobbies (outdoor activities, for example).
Have a Project
Worried your children may grow up without being “well-rounded†or without important skills? It’s never too late to teach them a thing or two and a good way to do that is to work on a project together. Maybe there’s a minor house repair that your son or daughter can assist with or you can refurbish a piece of furniture or a lamp that you found at the thrift store. You can make any project meaningful (and even fun) if you approach it as a project for “just the two of you†rather than a chore. Be patient, be silly, give your son or daughter special jobs and teach him or her how to use certain tools and explain the process rather than just doing it by yourself while he or she watches.
Leave a Reply