Building a bond with your kids evolves as they get older, as their interests change and as they grow from children to young adults. Activities they used to enjoy may not have the same impact as they did a few years ago.
As a parent, you may have to get creative with the ways you spend quality time together to remain an important part of your child’s life.
Next time you have time set aside for family, consider spending quality time with your kids in these five ways:
1. Find an Activity they Love and Do it Together
It’s tempting to take our kids along to do the things we enjoyed at their age, and maybe still enjoy today. However, if you want to spend quality time with your kids, make sure you spend your time doing something they enjoy. This builds trust and helps your child feel known and seen by you.
2. Make a Day Out of it
Carving out multiple hours for quality time can show your kids you prioritize your relationship. Take a day off during the week and spend time together going to all your favorite places around town, or plan a day trip over the weekend to get away and explore a new place. Experiencing these things together can create memories to last a lifetime.
3. Have a Game Night
If you want to include the whole family, plan a game night so everyone can join in. Games are a fun way to build relationships as a family, have a good laugh together, and focus on teamwork and healthy competition. It may even help to turn off all electronic devices during this time, so no one is distracted.
4. Take a Camping Trip
Camping is a great way to spend quality time with your child and bond over the beautiful outdoors. Pack a bag with all the camping essentials and find a place to pitch a tent and start a bonfire. You and your kids are sure to enjoy the natural backdrop and have plenty of meaningful conversations.
5. Do a Project Together
Whether you’re helping with a science project, trying a new recipe, or painting a room in your house, finishing a project together has multiple benefits — including a stronger relationship between you and your kids. Having something you can look at and know you accomplished together is a rewarding experience that builds trust and connection.
6. Volunteer Together
Speaking of hard work, nothing creates a bond, quite like working together to support the same cause. Find an organization you or your child are passionate about and become a volunteer. This will give you and your kids a sense of purpose you can share together.
Spending quality time with your kids boils down to being intentional. In the end, it doesn’t really matter what you choose to do together, as long as you are giving your child your undivided attention while listening and learning more about who they are. As they grow into adults, you’ll cherish these moments with a sense of pride and deeper love.
With the lockdown due to the pandemic, everyday life has changed. Here’re some things you can include in your quarantine.
