Spending Quality Time with Your Kids

One of the greatest gifts a parent can give their child is quality time. But as most parents will understand, quality time is much more complex than just being with your kids; it is taking an active role in understanding them and trying to help as they form a view of the world.

Some things you can consider when spending time with your child:

• Try to understand why they like what they like. What television shows do they respond to? What games do they enjoy? If you can begin to enjoy the same things that they enjoy, it will make your time spent together more useful.
• Get active! Whether it is through a game of Simon Says or doing silly dances to the latest Wiggles song, getting active sets a great example and keeps your child healthy.
• Exploring the nearest park together is a wonderful way to show your child the outdoors and all that it entails.
• Reading to your children is perhaps the most worthwhile activity you can do to engage their minds.
• As they get older, allow your child to be present with you in the kitchen and help with very basic food preparation. By cultivating a healthy relationship with food early you will teach them something that will pay off later in life.
• Be sure to always take the time to be conscious of your time with your child and never take it for granted. Your child can sense how you feel, and while you don't want to lie about your mood, you also want to let them know that you love and appreciate them.

By Chris Giardino