Adventures in Parenting

Why is it that with all the “time-saving” devises we have, we are busier than ever?

Running from one activity to another, one meeting to another, one appointment to another…

Has life gotten so busy that you don’t have time to spend with your children? Is your time together merely “doing” and not “connecting”?

Here are some suggestions on how you can squeeze out some opportunities to get to know your children better by connecting:

1. Don’t listen to the radio or allow the children to use electronic equipment while in the car. Going from place to place in the car is a good time to chat.

2. Don’t go home immediately after you pick your kids up from school or event. Once you get home, everyone is distracted with chores. Instead go get a snack or a drink together for 10-15 minutes.

3. Don’t eat dinner in front of the TV or other distractions. A half-hour meal time is prime time for family interactions.

4. Watch YouTube together. I bet your kids watch at least half an hour of YouTube everyday…at least. Watching it together allows for some conversation about those clips.

5. Do whatever your kids are doing. When they do homework, sit at the dining room table together while you pay bills or read the newspaper. When they play video games, play with them. When they are on the computer, use your laptop and check your email.

When there is no extra time, taking every-day-moments to connect is a good way to stay in close relationship with your children.

Photo by visulogik