• Do chores together. It’s true that their
little hands will provide little actual help. In
fact, their very presence and the millions of
questions they may ask may hamper your
progress. But it’s one of the best investments
you could ever make. Compelling research
shows that the single common thread linking
successful people together was that they did
chores growing up. So why not do some chores
together? It may actually redfine quality time
to mean that the little work you put in now will
save you headache in the future.
• Eat together. Eating is something we all
have to do. Even if we can sit down and have
one shared meal together a day, engaged in
each other’s body language and conversations,
we’d be far ahead of the game by most parents’
standards. I know many parents who shuffle
their kids afterschool from activity to activity
and end up eating dinner in the car. Then
perhaps it’s possible to slow down the mornings
and break some bagels together before school
starts. Don’t feel pressure to have a meaningful
conversation either. Just try to enjoy each
other’s company or simply listen to what your
child may or may not have to say.
• Cook together. If only because kids are more
prone to eat what they cook. So if your kids are
adverse to eating vegetables like most kids, this
may be a great way to inspire your child to try
new foods. Plus, they’d be learning a life skill. •
22