Spending Quality Time with
Your Child
Between work and life responsibilities , the days pass us by in the blink of an eye . Many parents worry that they don ’ t spend enough time with their children , wondering if this will lead to developmental delays . Some parents feel guilty about working full time , or experience anxiety about choosing to work out at the gym or go to dinner with friends .
But have no despair ! A recent study in the Journal of Marriage and Family questions the impact the amount of time parents spend with their children has on the academic achievement , behavior , and emotional well-being of their children . This is not to negate the importance of time spent with children , but rather , to reinforce the point that quality of time is much more important than quantity of time . Children need high-quality time with parents — that is what is most beneficial to children and what can have a positive effect on them as they grow . It isn ’ t about endless hours of time — it ’ s about how you choose to spend that time that truly matters .
As parents , we can make choices to ensure time spent with our children is high-quality . Here are nine tips for busy families :
Have a daily “ connect ” time with your child . Do this face-to-face , if possible ; but if this isn ’ t an option , create a routine for doing so in other ways , such as leaving a note in your child ’ s bag , posting a note by his toothbrush , or writing an encouraging saying on a shared whiteboard in the house .
Create a special ritual for you and your child — something that can be done every day . For example , let your child choose and read one book with you at bedtime .
Tell your child you love him / her every day . And tell him / her how important he / she is to you and how he / she makes you feel .
Reinforce positive behavior . For example , if your child completes his chores without your asking , acknowledge it with words of appreciation — even if you don ’ t have the chance do so until the next day .
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