How to Really Enjoy Spending Time with Children- 3 Easy Steps
As every working adult (and that is all of us, even if we don’t get a paycheck or have kids) knows, we have busy lives. Time is moving faster and faster and we are all bombarded and overwhelmed with too many tasks and not much time for fun.
Our children deserve and desire us to spend quality time with them. We deserve and desire quality time with them, but there is only so much time; quality and otherwise. What if there were a way we could combine our limited free time periods with quality time spend enhancing the lives of those we love.Maybe we can.
Kids Need Adults To Be With Them
Those of you who have read my earlier books and articles know how strongly I feel about adult role models for kids. Aunties and Uncles, Teachers and Coaches, Youth Leaders and extended families are so important to raising resilient, confident kids into adults.
Parents spend an average of seventeen hours a week in the company of their kids, but less than two hours a week devoted to interacting with them. Interacting means face to face or shoulder to shoulder time talking, playing or helping with homework. It does not mean texting or phone calls, which is connecting but not building real relationships.
3 Ways to Spend Quality Time With Kids
- Include them in your daily routine. Most of the time when we are with children we are doing other things; cooking, cleaning, repairing things. It makes sense to not “shoo” them away, but include them in the tasks at hand. Sure it may take twice as long and not look nearly as good as if you had done it yourself, but it is time together. You may be surprised at the talents your kids show when they turn off the video game and paint the garage with you.
- Learn to share feelings without judgment. As I work with families, I am amazed and saddened at the number of adults who do not know how their emotions affect others. Many adults do not even know what they are feeling. Allowing your children to have a right to all kinds of emotions; happy and sad, angry and nice, anxious and confident, afraid and safe is key to helping them manage their inner selves. This may especially hard for dads who have been trained to tune out vulnerable feelings. However, it is important tell them (and mean it) that you are safe to share feelings with and they will not be punished or disciplined for what they think. This is such a great way to help correct situations and interpretations they may have been worried about.
- See the world through their eyes. By adopting a child’s eye view, we can regain the wonder and enjoyment of just being. A walk with my grandson Ridge is a study in insects and plant life I never even knew existed. His eyes spot nature as God must have intended us to see it. Every little leaf and stick is a wonder and a treat to be examined and talked about.
Adults Can Learn From Children
Because the world is moving faster, we feel an obligation to teach the children all the time. In reality, the children who are being born now are so much more intelligent and all knowing, they will teach us. They are called Indigo Kids, Hero Children or even Star Children. Very intuitive and wise at birth.
They need to see resiliency, responsible and respect modeled for them. Model how an emotionally healthy adult handles life. And when you blow it…..Apologize and talk about how you could have made a better choice.
By spending time and effort to get to know and enjoy the children in our circle of influence, we will be rewarded a thousand fold. The memories and association of time spent together will enhance the lives of kids, adults and the world.
Self Awareness Quiz
- Do you take time every day to smile and try to make a child feel important and noticed?
- Do you act impatient or bothered a child is trying to talk to you?
- Do you recognize the many messages children are willing and eager to teach adults?
You are invited to claim a free eBook on Using Encouraging Words at http://www.ArtichokePress.com You will be so glad you did. Judy Helm Wright is an author, speaker and women’s empowerment coach and can be reached at 406-549-9813. She will be a perfect keynote speaker for your next conference. You can trust she will share even more ways to enjoy spending quality time with your kids.
