So , blocking off an hour every day to sit anxiously with your kid so you can check off the “ spent time with my child ” box is not as beneficial as 10 minutes of warmth and listening . It ’ s not how long you show up but simply how you show up , and now we can all collectively exhale a sigh of relief . This , we can do .
Some simple and quick ways to rock quality time :
• Choose a good novel , and read a chapter or two together every evening .
• Embrace that car ride to practice by turning off the music and turning up the conversation . Nothing heavy though . Start by talking about their interests .
• Turn up the mushy love stuff . Give extra cuddles and forehead kisses . Tell them you love them a few more times a day . Point out things they ’ re doing well . Tell them positive affirmations more frequently , such as “ I ’ m so glad I ’ m your mom .” Plenty of studies have shown the importance of parental warmth !
• Laugh and be silly together . I know it ’ s difficult to be cheerful when you ’ re stressed , but if you can find ways to manage your own stress levels and become more playful , you and your child will reap the benefits .
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