“Quality time” seems to have become a throw-around word in today’s busy world. But as the phrase itself implies, the time is not defined by length but by the time spent in giving another person your undivided attention in order to strengthen a relationship. Work, household chores and social activities can all put a strain on the amount of time you spend with your child but it is imperative you make the efforts to spend uninterrupted, one-on-one time together. 
Quality time helps to strengthen the bond between parent and child and lets your child know that you can be trusted and counted on. By making yourself available to your child with undivided attention, you are creating an atmosphere of openness and giving your child the opportunity to talk to you about their thoughts, issues or concerns whenever they feel that they need to share.
Children who spend quality time with their parents often do better in school and excel in extracurricular activities, hobbies and sports. They are more confident in their skills and more motivated to accomplish tasks and goals. Because they can share with their parents, as mentioned above, they are less afraid of failing and disappointing.
That all sounds great but I know you’re asking yourself, “Where am I going to find the time? My schedule is crazy enough as it is!” Well, for something as important as your child, you need to start rearranging that crazy schedule and begin to prioritize your child’s time. That all sounds great but I know you’re asking yourself, “Where am I going to find the time? My schedule is crazy enough as it is!” Well, for something as important as your child, you need to start rearranging that crazy schedule and begin to prioritize your child’s time. It can be done. Here’s some helpful suggestions on how to make the most of your time and find quality time where you least expect it:
- Look at your household chore list and decide which ones can be left undone or be done quickly in order to make more family time. You might also want to consider leaving certain things until after your child has gone to bed or before they wake up in the morning. There are many daily tasks that you and your child can accomplish together.
- Turn some of your everyday routines into quality time. Sing on the way to daycare or use driving time to have conversations with your child. Always sit together and talk during meal times.
- Plan your quality time to take place regularly. Walk the dog every Saturday morning, have a movie night or get your child to help you cook supper. Planning quality time together can make the event more exciting and give your child something to look forward to.
Having more than one child means giving each your individual attention. You may have to really juggle things around to make this happen but try to be flexible and creative when spending time with each of your kids. And, no matter what, do not skip those individual times. Each child is an individual and parents of multiple children will treat them all differently, sometimes being harsher on those with more behaviours and lenient on those who listen better. Ultimately, it is imperative to give special, positive attention to each child to assure them that they are loved as equally as their siblings.
Balancing quality time with life can be a struggle, but its importance is insurmountable. If you are constantly prioritizing everything above your children, you are showing them that the dry cleaning and the grocery shopping is more important than they are. Strengthen and maintain your bond with your children by choosing them first and then working in the rest of the stuff. Your time with your children is special and fleeting, so don’t miss out on opportunities to enjoy and experience every moment.
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