One day you’re holding your bundle of joy in your arms for the first time, and the next thing you know they’re setting off to college. It may seem as if they’ve grown up in a blink of an eye. Before you know it, you start looking back at all the time that’s gone without ever knowing what you have been doing for all those years. All of that will inevitably make you feel as if you’ve missed out on so much.
To avoid feeling like you haven’t been around for your child enough, we have some suggestions that will help you spend quality time with your little one(s) and make the most of their childhood for them.
Let them help you around
One of the best ways to spend time with your children is to have them help you around with house chores. However, you need to be creative and turn it into a fun activity for them. Not only will you teach them how to properly wash the dishes or dust, but you’ll also help them develop good habits, and teach them that keeping a home clean and tidy is of great importance.
Are you going to work around the garden? Let your little one help around and learn all there is to know about gardening. You never know what talent and interest you may sparkle along the way.
Be crafty together
Another good suggestion about spending more quality time with your kids includes working on your craft together. Have you finally found time for your painting? Get a little canvas to your child and start painting together. If you love to cook, have your bundle of joy assist, and knead the dough with you, decorate cupcakes, or put frosting on cakes. Let your child watch you as you sew, knit, or take photographs.
They’ll have the chance to learn all about it and start asking questions about other hobbies which will potentially allow them to discover hidden talents of their own. Furthermore, if you have a habit of your own or maybe a hobby such as fishing, why not bring along your kid the next time you go to the lake or river?
Ride a bicycle together
Staying physically active is imperative for staying vigorous and keeping your body fit and healthy. Moreover, you should do your best to teach your children about the importance of exercises and physical activity. Therefore, one of the best ways to spend quality time with your little ones is to ride bikes together.
You still haven’t gotten the, their own bike? Well, better do it quickly and shop quality kids bikes so they can learn how to ride it and have the best time ever with their mum and dad. You can make daily rides every evening and make sure your kid will have no trouble falling asleep because they’ll use their energy in the best possible way.
Have a bedtime ritual
You know how you brush your teeth, moisturize and have a chat with your spouse before bed? Well, you should think about having a small but very significant ritual with your kid before bed as well. That is a great option for parents who work all day and don’t get to spend much time with their loved ones during the day.
Reading them a bedtime story, talking to them about their day, about their latest crush or asking if they learned something new that day, will be a great way to bond with them and make them feel like you’re doing your best to make up for all the lost time. You can make hot cocoa for both of you and chat as you sip the lovely beverage, creating that special bond that will be invaluable for the development of both of you.
Plan for weekly outings
Spending time with family is invaluable for your relationships, so you should do your best to always make time for your kids. That’s why you should plan for weekly picnics, road trips or just night outs. How about spending a weekend in the mountains? Does a picnic at a park or the beach sound tempting?
Maybe you could finally visit your parents in the countryside and make weekly visits so that your kids can enjoy nature as they spend time with the entire family.
Final thoughts
Spending enough quality time with children is essential for their healthy development. They need to know that you care about them and love them more than the world, but they won’t be able to see it unless you show them.
Therefore, try to always make time for your mutual activities and make the most of your playtimes, bedtime rituals or craft hours. Include them in whatever you do so that they can learn as much as possible every day and become crafty and skilful individuals one day.
Article by Patrick Adams.
Patrick is part of Alejandra’s Life Family Team
