Spending quality time is better than just killing time with your child.
Being a parent can be a challenging time. Especially if it’s your first time or if it’s been awhile since your last child. It’s hard enough when you’re worried about your child’s well-being. Whether they are eating right, getting the right amount of outside playtime, etc. But what about the time you spend with your child? What are you doing to make it memorable? Are you spending quality time with them or is it just time spent with them?
It’s one thing to have them by your side all the time, making sure they aren’t getting into trouble. But that doesn’t necessarily count as quality time nor will it impact them in a positive way in the future. However, if you spend time with them doing activities you both love, or that the entire family likes doing then it can create positive moments in their lives where they can look back on and truly appreciate.
Now, it’s not to say that you need to spend four hours a day with them until they’re 18 years-old. All you have to do is create a time out of the week within at least a month that will have a happy and lasting impact on them.
According to the Child Development Institute, spending quality time with them can create a stronger bond between you and your child. Spending time together will give them the chance to voice their own thoughts and grow as a person. As a parent, you get to observe and learn their strengths and weakness to help better guide them.
Not only will it benefit your child, but it can also benefit you. By dedicating a time out of the week to spend a day with them it can help you reduce stress. While spending time with your child you are able to take your mind off your everyday worries and instead focus on making happy memories with your child.
Activities that you can do with your child can vary and it doesn’t necessarily have to be any that are mentioned below. The activities should promote happy and healthy memories that let them feel secure in that they have your full attention and you have theirs.
However, to give a few ideas you can start a hobby with them. Arts and crafts and/or building toy models are fun activities to take part in. Or you both can go out and do outdoor activities, like fishing, camping, or hiking. Even doing simple things like having family meals where you are conversing with your child, or helping them with their schoolwork can be beneficial for them.
There are so many different activities you can do with them. The important thing to remember though is that you make the moments special and positive. Create a safe place for your child to feel confident to confide in you about any concerns they may have. Or even tell you about the good things that are happening in their life.
Carving out a time where you can spend quality time with them will create a positive impact on their mental health and for their future. So, when spending time with your child make it time well spent where they will be able to reflect on in a positive way.