10 Tips on Spending Quality Time with Your Children

1. Make the little everyday things count. Look for special things that you can share and enjoy together during meal times, bedtime, and any other time you get to spend together.

2. Little family traditions, whether simple or funny, strengthen bonds and create good memories. Adopt a family song or slogan (or make one up). Pick a meal that’s a family favorite, and serve it when you want to celebrate a special occasion.

3. Set aside a time of day that’s especially reserved for your children. Turn off the TV, your cell phone, and anything else that could be a distraction, and give your children your full attention.

4. Plan your “family times” ahead of time, so that they’re quality and fun. Your children can be included in the planning. Filling out a weekly or monthly planner with activities that you’ll do can be a fun activity in itself.

5. Take on a hobby that you can enjoy with your children. Find out what they’re interested in and get into a long-term project with them. Partake of a learning experience together.

6. If you have more than one child, besides your times all together, try to spend one-on-one time with each of them regularly. This special time with you will help them to feel individually loved and appreciated.

7. Read together. There are a great variety of  children’s stories here at www.freekidstories.org. These and other stories can provide fun reading that will also teach children good moral values.  

8. Have fun with your children! Don’t be afraid to let your hair down and goof around with them. They need and want those playful times with you.

9. Do something spontaneous and different every once in a while, such as having an impromptu picnic dinner, or driving out to the country on a weekend to spend the day in the sun.

10. Be affectionate. A hug, a cuddle, a pat on the head, are all expressions of love and care, and go a long way in boosting your child’s confidence and security. You need affection too!

Article © TFI. Used with permission.