There are days where we constantly feel like we are pressed for time or that we have no time in a day. Whether it is our job, social life, or responsibilities at home, there are times when we feel overworked and burnt out. We all know what it is like to be and feel busy. And when you have a child, it can be difficult to spend time with them with a busy schedule.
SDSU Extension explains that children who are spending time with their parents are less likely to participate in risky behaviors. When you are not as involved in a child’s life, their behavior may change. They may seem to shut down and not talk openly with you, their grade performance may slip, or they might even take their anger out on other people, or they may become addicted to social media. Especially if there is a parent absent from the child’s life, it is important to spend quality time with your children. But what do you do when there is no time?
Tips to Spend Time with Your Child
Have a Morning Routine
Mornings can be crazy. However, it is important to find time to spend together. When your child wakes up, spend a couple minutes in bed with them or make breakfast and eat it together. It is important to be available for your child in the morning and to show love and affection.
Have a Bedtime Routine
It is important to spend time with your child at night. This is a crucial time to connect with your child. Ask them about their day. Read them a bedtime story. Take some time where you can just listen to your child and be there, in the moment.
Share Daily Affirmations
This is important during the development of your child’s life. It is important to practice affirmations. This can be done at any time of the day, morning or night. Sharing daily affirmations with your children will teach them to be confident and will instill positivity into their lives. If you don’t have time, write a note and leave it in their room for them to know that you love them and you believe in them.
Play with Your Child’s Toys
Schedule time to enjoy with your child. Let them choose what you should do together. Play with their toys, color, play a game. Spend time with your child even if it is for a few minutes.
Do Chores
This may seem like it is no fun, but if the house is messy and you want to spend time with your child, do household chores together. Have your child dry the dishes or have them fold the laundry. This will teach your children responsibility and you will be able to spend time with them.
At the end of the day, it does not matter exactly how you are spending time with your children, it matters the connections you get to make with them. Let your children see that you care for them, even if it is only five minutes out of your day. Quality time with your child is vital even at the early stages. As they grow and mature, you will always have that connection because you want to be in their life and spend time with them.