Being a good parent takes a great deal of work and dedication to those little ones in your family who are always seeking your attention. Spending quality time with them is beneficial to both you and them as they grow and mature into successful adults. By working with them on projects and activities when they are small you are laying the groundwork for them to approach you with their problems and worries when they get older. Not every day with your children will be perfect but let’s take a look at how to make the most of the quality time that you have to invest.
Pyjama Walks
Instead of popping your child in front of the television before he goes to bed in the evening, taking him on a brief walk around your neighbourhood in his pyjamas may be exactly what he needs to calm down before he is tucked in for the evening. This provides the child with time to relax and decompress and gives you an excellent opportunity to talk with your child about fun topics that interest him. Make sure that his teeth are brushed and he’s completely ready for bed before your walk so that you can ease him right into bed at the conclusion of your walk. Don’t kick a ball around the neighbourhood or let him eat snacks since your main goal is to help him calm down in preparation for bed.
Make Home Repairs Together
When you have a small, home improvement project that needs to be tackled, why not ask your child to help you get the job done? You can teach him about tools, how to solve problems, and the patience that’s needed for jobs that must be completed in a timely fashion. You’ll also be spending time sharing chores which is sure to strengthen the bonds that you have with your child. Begin with something simple for them to do and as they get a little older, you can increase the importance of the task that they do.
Play the Games They Like
Your children will have a plethora of games that they love to play and when you join in the fun it makes them feel very special. Whether it’s a board game or a video game, be prepared to suffer defeat but enjoy the quality time that you are spending with them. You’ll be surprised at the topics you can discuss as you race along avoiding the pitfalls of a fast-paced video game; use every opportunity to engage your child in discussion to see his unique ideas and perceptions about various topics.
Use Art Projects for Expression
Using an art project with your child is an excellent way to get an idea of his perspective on the world. Be sure to supply him with quality art materials so that his end result will be the successful one that he wants. Let him choose his own topic for artwork, encourage him along the way, and help him to see that art is a true expression of his innermost thoughts. The website www.jacksonsart.com can provide you with the quality materials that you need for projects of which your child can be proud.
Watching your child grow into a happy and successful person will be one of the most rewarding experiences that you can have as a parent; be sure to invest quality time now for exceptional results later in his life.
Image courtesy of suphakit73/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
