There’s only one thing more precious than our time and that’s who we spend it on. ~ Leo Christopher
What is a family? The dictionary definition of a family is a group of one or more parents and their children living together as a unit OR all the descendants of a common ancestor.
A family might not be defined the same by every person. Some see their family as a circle of friends, or even their pets. Families can be vastly different, but have one commonality: shared love and commitment.
Whatever our family looks like, we need to take the time to appreciate them. That isn’t always easy with blended families, or families that are separated geographically. There are also barriers that can make it difficult to spend time together such as resentment between siblings or parents. The past couple of years have also given us new challenges on spending time with family while remaining healthy.
The family relationship we are going to concentrate on in this blog is between parents with young children.
Although the title of this article is suggesting one specific day to celebrate (because there is, in fact, an American Family Day which happens to be today) this is not family time that is put on a calendar to be checked off as the day passes; this is the daily connection with our “littles”. Children need to know you are available to them EVERY day!
Parents are often very busy and need to find creative ways to make that special quality time happen on a daily basis. Here are some tips from the experts:
- Let your child choose a book that you can read together.
- Tell your child how important important they are and that you love them every day.
- Leave a note! Lunch box note, note by the toothbrush, on the whiteboard or mirror; this will let your child know that you are thinking about them.
- Eat meals together whenever possible. Even sharing snack time is better than no time.
- Speak your appreciation. When you see they are doing a chore (especially without being told) give them accolades to let them know you are impressed.
- Play, play, play! These can be some of their favorite memories in years to come. Let them see you be silly and have fun with them.
- Make a date and keep it. Promising a walk after your evening meal, or a trip out for ice cream can be a super easy and rewarding way to spend time together.
- Joke of the day. Kids love to laugh with you...find some age appropriate jokes that will tickle their funny bone.
- Shut down technology. Do not answer calls, text, scroll through social media, watch television, etc. Give them your UNDIVIDED attention.
If you are currently in a situation that does not allow you to spend every day with your child, try to find other ways to let them know you are thinking of them. If they are with their other parent, grandparent, friend, etc. think about sending a note along to be given to them each day. Make a voice recording, or arrange for a phone call to speak to them. Sometimes they may be too busy having fun to take that call, but they will know you made the effort.
While we are on the topic of your children being with their other parent, it would be remiss to not bring up getting along. Your child should see a cohesive relationship when it comes to the family unit. This is not always easy! There are many, many circumstances that cause a relationship not to work out and the family to be affected. This is not the child’s fault! It is almost always beneficial for the two of you to make peace and be a united front. There are, of course, unhealthy people and relationships that need a lot more effort to make things work better for the good of their children.
If you need additional suggestions on how to spend quality time with family, or how to work on your parent/child relationship, please contact us at the PLC Health Clinic. We are here to serve the women, men, and children of our community.
* Sources available upon request
