If you are looking for easy steps to start memorable time with your children, you are just on the right page. In this article we will discuss the importance of quality time, aka special time, and how to make it happen.
What is special time with kids?
There are various explanations as to why you should spend special time with your child. According to Psychology Today, it is a way to change a child's behavior and help improve a family dynamic. In an article from A Fine Parent, an expert said, "Special time is simply time that you spend one-on-one, focusing solely on your child."
How to start special time with your child?
Considering that a special time can be beneficial to both the kids and the parents, it is highly encouraged that parents do this. Here are some of the easy steps on how to start a special time with your child:
1. Follow the child's lead
Although taking the lead and giving instructions is a task for adults, parents should follow the lead of their children and pay attention to what they are saying during a special time.
This step could be an exhausting one, precisely because children rarely run out of energy. However, parents may try to consider this as their exercise for that day or time.
When following your children's lead, there should be no distractions or resistance.
2. Announce when the special time will take place
Before doing the special time, parents should be declaring or announcing this day. This time does not have to be an entire day or a whole hour. It could be a few minutes in a day. Also, parents can make a unique name for it. For example, it could be called the "Maliah time" if your child's name is Maliah.
3. Give your undivided attention during the special time
Experts suggest starting with ten minutes. During this time, parents should give their undivided attention. This step means that calls or texts should not be entertained. Parents should be fully present at that moment.
Not only will the kids appreciated this, but also it will eventually become an enjoyable time of the day for parents.
4. Give the kids the chance to choose the activity
During the special time, parents can give their children the chance to choose the activity they would like to do. This activity could include roughhousing to get them laughing. Through this step, children will feel that it is their time. It can also be a way for parents to discover the activities that their kids would like to do.
Since it will also serve as the parent-child bonding moment, parents will also learn more things about their children, and children can feel the same way.
