by TRACI MARANT
In our busy world, we are all bombarded with social media, reality TV shows, and the latest and greatest electronic device or new gadget promising to make our lives faster and easier. It’s hard to carve out that little bit of time to spend with our children when we have errands to run, soccer practice to get to and homework to finish. But at the end of the day that is really what kids are asking for. We’ve all experienced that feeling that there will never be enough time to finish all the little things that seem so important. Sometimes thinking about adding more quality time with your child can seem overwhelming and maybe even impossible. But if you are having difficulty connecting with your child or if your child is experiencing difficult behavior issues, that might be what they are really asking for.
Finding ways to reconnect and get back to basics doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming. If you can find 20-30 minutes a week to spend with your child one on one you might not only notice a difference in your child’s behavior but you might also find that your stress level decreases as well. Let your child lead the way. Ask them what they would like to do. Often times their ideas for spending time together are very simple and don’t cost any money at all. Playing a game together, going for a walk, making dinner or cooking something can go a long way to improving your relationship and decreasing difficult behaviors. Work together to find activities to do together that will set your child up for success. The activity should have minimal frustration and be something that the two of you can do together but also gives your child the opportunity to lead and feel in control of the situation or activity. The most important element is that you are spending quality time together free from distractions. No TV or cell phone or computer. Giving your child your undivided attention communicates that you value them and their opinions free from judgment. Establishing this routine will go a long way in ensuring that you and your child or children continue to communicate with each other through good times and difficult times.
