How often do you find yourself planning to do something special with your children but not managing it? That untouched craft project, for instance, or the relaxed post-dinner walk, or even those new books you planned to read to them? Most parents find that they are either too pressed for time or too tired to get to engaging in these seemingly simple ‘quality’ activities.

With multiple demands and factors beyond our control, our days often do not pan out the way we plan. It is not surprising that many parents find it next to impossible to plan for quality time with their children. But knowing that quality time with children is important, most parents are left wondering how they can manage this catch 22 situation!

Quality time is often depicted in the media as time when the family is out in the park happy and playing together, or a parent and child looking happy and baking together. All parents know that such opportunities are few and far between. With quality time being an important aspect of a child’s upbringing, the key is to build quality time into one’s daily life. Opportunities can be found in everyday routine activities. Here are some examples:

1. Use daily connect time – Whether it is the time you are getting ready for the day or when you meet your children after school/work, making an effort to talk with your children can go a long way.  Talking about their plans for the day or how their day went, and sharing about your own day can be a great starting point.

2. Take turns with your spouse in spending special time with your child – If you are dropping your children to school and get time with them, let your spouse be the one who reads them a story and puts them to bed. Children learn different things from both parents and it is necessary that they get alone time with each parent.

3. Make exclusive time with each child – Similarly, if you have more than one child, it becomes important to ensure that each one gets special time with you alone. Taking your child along with you when you run errands or allowing them to participate in household chores like folding clothes, putting away dishes etc. are all opportunities for such ‘alone-together’ time.

4. Listen and participate when child talks – Children, especially young ones, love to talk and ask questions. Very often, this can happen when you are focusing on other things. Whenever possible, listen to what they are saying and engage in a conversation with them.  

5. Make a plan for the weekend - In addition to these, it is also helpful to plan for some fun family time – as shown in the media! Quality time can be enjoyed by playing indoor or outdoor games, going out for walks, visiting a zoo…the possibilities are endless!

If you are still struggling with finding time for yourself and/or your child, feel free to ask one of our counsellors what can help.