How to Spend Time with Your Children

This seems like a silly title to some but this has increasingly become an issue with parents in today's society.  Parents simply are not spending enough time with their children so it is time that we get back to basics.  I recently helped coordinate a group event for the families that we serve at work and I was just enlightened (yet again) about the importance of taking time to spend with your children.  Children thrive off of our attention and we are essentially their tour guides through life so it is very important to spend a lot of time with them.  If you need to, consider it an investment!  The following are some great ways to spend some time with your children and I certainly encourage you to share some ways that you find to be enjoyable to spend time with your children.

1.  If you live in a warm climate or it is summertime, take your kids to the local swimming pool.  Kids LOVE to swim so they will love you forever if you take them swimming!  The event that we just held at work was a pool party and it was such a fantastic opportunity for parents to spend some quality time with their kids.  Not to mention, swimming is kind of fun for adults too! 

2.  Take your child to a movie.  There are always new and fun kids movies out in the theaters.  I find that parents are not taking their kids to see movies in theaters like they used to.  This will certainly show your child that you have time for them and you care enough to take time out of your busy schedule to see a move with them.  I guarantee they will talk about this experience all week!  Often times, you will even find theaters in your local area that will show kids movies for free sometimes.  Check it out!

3.  Take your child to a pet store.  Maybe you have a pet of your own or maybe you don't but either way, kids love animals!  They will really enjoy gettting the chance to look at different animals and maybe they will even get to cuddle the furry ones. 

4.  If you have older children (teenagers) it can get tricky to think of ways to spend time with them.  Recently, I was watching a show on television about strict parents and I got a great idea for spending time with teenagers.  First, take some time to talk to them and find out what they want to do for a living "when they grow up".  Try to make arrangements to take them somewhere to tour a place in the field that they are interested in working in.  As I was watching this particular show, this father took a boy to a fire station to tour it and talk with some of the workers there.  You will be surprised at how open some businesses and establishments are to letting your child come in and gain some information about their potential career field.  One thing this boy said on this television show that really caught my attention was "I can't believe he took his whole day out to take me here".  I was almost in tears because spending this kind of time with children should not be a surprise but rather a regularity their lives. 

5.  Have a slumber party!  Rent some movies for home, get some food, throw on your PJs, find some fun activities, and you have yourselves a super fun slumber party!  Kids will love this because it is not a regular part of their routine.  Not to mention, you are showing them that you have a fun side.  They will really enjoy this kind of experience with you. 

6.  Read a book together.  Children LOVE books!  Take advantage of this opportunity to snuggle with your child and teach them something too.

7.  Play games.  Games are great for all ages!

This is certainly not a comprehensive list of activities to do with your children but it is a great start.  First, take the time to realize the importance of spending time with you children and then take the time and willingness to follow through.  Watch your relationship grow with your child.  It is amazing!  What kinds of things do you like to do with your children?  I'd love your ideas!