Finding quality time to bond and reconnect with your kids can be a challenge, especially if you're a busy and working parent. There are bills to take care of and you have to make sure that money keeps coming in so you can give your kids a roof over their heads and food for their little stomachs. Yes, it can be quite hard but here's the thing: It doesn't have to be long but time spent with them has to be quality. And if you can't find the time, know you can always make time for creating these special moments with them despite your hectic schedule. Here's how.
1. Set a "break time."
Just because you're busy doesn't mean that your kids aren't. If it's the weekdays, chances are they've got home works and school projects to do. Having said it, set around 15 to 30 minutes each day where you can all meet at any of your home's room to just catch up with one another and chat. This will make your kids see who your priority is and sure enough, your effort will be reciprocated.
2. Go on dates.
Your kids deserve your undivided attention every once in a while. So when you've got time together (you can talk about this during your break time), sit down and plan when your date will be. Include them in the planning even the littlest details (like where they want the date to be and the activities you'll engage in, if any) so they'd feel that what they have to say matters. If you don't have much time, you can suggest to have the date take place indoors. Serve them with popcorn and ice cream after finding time to gather around the dinner table. Then watch a favorite movie or play a favorite game of theirs. This never fails to put a smile on their cute faces.
3. Go on "road trips" and "pajama walks."
Whether it's going to the grocery store to pick up food supplies or running important errands for the day, be sure to take at least one of your kids with you. It's another way to make them feel that they're such an invaluable part of your life that you'll take them whenever you need to go whenever it's possible. On the flip side, if you have time to spare before they go to bed, take them outside for a quick walk.
4. Celebrate the holidays together.
Holidays are great days to spend your time together to strengthen the bond you have with your kids. So whenever there's a fun holiday you know they're looking forward to celebrate, be sure to not miss it for the world. For instance, St. Patrick's Day is coming up next month. Even if you're not Irish, you can definitely enjoy this day with your kids while teaching them the values of Christianity. You can do this by watching famous Irish movies like "The Magical Legend of the Leprechauns", making green flowers, incorporating a green veggie in your dinner for the night, watching parades, and sharing your blessings to other people - all while wearing green Irish t-shirts. Sounds like fun, right?
5. Play their games.
Your kids surely have varying interests. So when your time permits, be sure to join them in doing what they love to do. It can be playing soccer, house or tea-party, video games, and many more. Whichever it is, make them feel you're making an effort into knowing what tickles their fancy. Their hearts will surely be tickled, too.
Be Present
As a parent, you know how crucial it is for your kids to know that they're the most important people in your life. So while being available for them 24/7 is impossible, find ways to just be there for them, especially when they need you most. Give them the permission to reach out to you anytime they want to and never let anything else, even your professional life, come before them. When you're successful at making time for your kids each day, you'll be the best parent in their hearts and we all know there no highest honor we can achieve in our lifetime than that.