Each
day, no matter what stresses or frustrating situations you may be in, spending
time with your kids and family should be a top priority.
Being a
busy parent is tough, but sparing at least 30 minutes a day to talk, teach or
play with your children is not just needed for them—it’s important for your
well being too. Take a peak through this list of basic parental duties below
and see which things you can cross off. If you think that it’s possibly to
incorporate one, two, three, or all eight into your life—you may be surprised to
discover how such a small suggestion could encourage such a profound impact
into your child’s lives, and yours as
well:
¨
Bedtime reading—With today’s 21-centruty
universe of an over abundance of electronics, picking up an actual book has increasingly and
alarmingly become endangered. Encourage casual or light reading into your
household. Check out books for the library, themed to your child’s interest or
reading preference.
Dedicate
15 or so minutes before your kid’s bedtime to read a story. Make the bedtime
story interesting (as your child is most likely tired from the day).
¨
Eat together—Having dinner together is an under appreciated
value of being a family. It’s doesn’t even have to a gourmet meal, in fact
simplicity can even be fun at the dinner table. Pick up and call for box of
pizza, or to make it even simpler, order food with paypal. This is your perfect opportunity to
casually speak with your family members and discuss the day that was, and what
tomorrow endures.
¨
Word games—Games such as Silent Charades or
“Simon Says” are wonderful bonding opportunities you can easily apply into your
family’s lives. It’s also a chance to improve he or she’s vocabulary and
cognitive thinking.
¨
Homework review—Make sure to quickly stroll
through your child’s schoolwork. This will ensure that your child knows that
it’s not only his or her teacher that will be making sure the schoolwork is
done, and done properly. If you see something wrong or care to make a
recommendation, this is your chance to play tutor.
¨
TV guidelines—Many parents want to the “cool
parent,” but there is a time and place for that. Being a “good parent” is what
your child needs. Set viewing times about how much TV your child can
watch and when all electronics need
to be turned off.
¨
Car talk—It may sound trivial, but a
simple on-the-road conversation is a wonderful chance to speak with your kids.
Plus, you have the added advantage where they can’t get away from you. It also
will help to save you time from a constructive conversation later on in the
day.
¨
Set up your child’s homework area—Some kids just need a little
assistance with organization. A perfect place to begin is setting up a
makeshift office in his or her bedroom. Ensuring that he or she has pencils, ink
in the printer, batteries in calculator, pens, paper, etc.
¨
What’s happening in school—As I’m sure you can remember,
school wasn’t always the easiest time in your life—between grades, teachers,
friends, and bullies. Try to let your child let you into his or her life in
school and see if anything concerns you, or if you can offer any constructive
advice.
some good points,,i used a lot of those with my kids too
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips. I also love baking with my kids.
ReplyDeleteGreat points--I'd also add exercising for health and stress relief with the kids, which is something my family needs to work on!
ReplyDelete