Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Quality Time With Our Kids!
Sometimes as parents, we forget to enjoy quality time with our kids. It's easy to miss out on the fun, the laughter, the sweet smiles, and the unsolicited bear-hugs because there are so many other things vying for our time. The arduous regimen of cleaning the house, clothing the kids, buying the groceries, paying the bills, and finishing homework sometime before 9pm can feel overwhelming. But, that's the very reason that we must spend some quality time with our kids somewhere in the middle of it all. Here are four ideas to get you started:
First, ask your kids silly questions. If yours are anything like mine, their responses alone will solicit some great connection-points, along with hearty laughter and some smiles as well. You could ask them the color of the wind, what the sun tastes like, or what they would add to marshmallow soup. You could also ponder what happens when a gummy bear loses its head. Both of my daughters said that the wind is white and that the sun tastes like fire. Subsequently, my middle daughter said she would add "marshmallows" to marshmallow soup, of course. And if a gummy bear lost its head, she commented, "It wouldn't be able to see." Silliness helps to create quality time because you look your kids in the eyes. You're speaking their language, silliness.
Second, get out the ice cream scoop and plan a family sundae-creation-contest. You could make an ice-cream lava volcano, a t-rex mountain, or a princess castle. The ideas are limitless. Make sure you allow the kids to load up their sundaes with everything from assorted chocolate candies, gummy worms, sprinkles, and hot-fudge syrup. And don't forget the whipped cream and cherries as well. Remember that yours must outdo theirs; it's gotta be the tallest and best decorated sundae of them all. It will be messy. You'll probably even waste some of the sweet treats; but, you'll giggle, snort, and even enjoy some quality time with your kiddos. No rules, just fun!
Third, create an adventurous night outdoors. Get out the fire-pit and make some s'mores. My kids love it when I let my marshmallow catch on fire. Let it burn baby! They think I'm so rebellious. I know the carbon's not good for me, but it's how I love 'em. After a bonfire, lay out some blankets under the stars and put their science knowledge to use. It's amazing what the kids are teaching me these days. Last night, while staring up at the Big Dipper, they informed me that it is part of the Great Bear constellation (also known as Ursa Major), which they had learned from watching Zula Patrol. Go PBS! :)
Fourth, just chill out on the couch and flip through some of the kids' books or video games. Make yourself appear super cozy and say things out loud, like "Wow, this place sounds amazing" or "I never knew about that crazy move before." In a matter of seconds or minutes, your kids will join you on the couch, asking you to read or play their game with them.
They'll devour the content because you think it's cool. And they'll know that you value them because you value their stuff. Even the toughest nut wants quality time with his parent. He might act like he doesn't want to join you, but the proof is in the pudding. See what he does when you slow down and check out his gear. Enjoy ten to fifteen minutes in your kids' world asking them what their favorite part of the book or game is. Probe about the connections between the book or game and their actual lives. Ask, "So, is there anyone at your school who acts like this character?"
Getting personal with your kids isn't really that hard. It does require some down-time and a relaxed attitude though. If you're stressing over the messes and the unfinished food on their plate, they won't feel compelled to kick back and chill with you. So, take a break from the chaos and connect with your kiddos. Let them know that you love them by spending some quality time together.
Let me know how it goes. Share some of your own thoughts here as well. We'd love to hear from you. :)
First, ask your kids silly questions. If yours are anything like mine, their responses alone will solicit some great connection-points, along with hearty laughter and some smiles as well. You could ask them the color of the wind, what the sun tastes like, or what they would add to marshmallow soup. You could also ponder what happens when a gummy bear loses its head. Both of my daughters said that the wind is white and that the sun tastes like fire. Subsequently, my middle daughter said she would add "marshmallows" to marshmallow soup, of course. And if a gummy bear lost its head, she commented, "It wouldn't be able to see." Silliness helps to create quality time because you look your kids in the eyes. You're speaking their language, silliness.
Second, get out the ice cream scoop and plan a family sundae-creation-contest. You could make an ice-cream lava volcano, a t-rex mountain, or a princess castle. The ideas are limitless. Make sure you allow the kids to load up their sundaes with everything from assorted chocolate candies, gummy worms, sprinkles, and hot-fudge syrup. And don't forget the whipped cream and cherries as well. Remember that yours must outdo theirs; it's gotta be the tallest and best decorated sundae of them all. It will be messy. You'll probably even waste some of the sweet treats; but, you'll giggle, snort, and even enjoy some quality time with your kiddos. No rules, just fun!
Third, create an adventurous night outdoors. Get out the fire-pit and make some s'mores. My kids love it when I let my marshmallow catch on fire. Let it burn baby! They think I'm so rebellious. I know the carbon's not good for me, but it's how I love 'em. After a bonfire, lay out some blankets under the stars and put their science knowledge to use. It's amazing what the kids are teaching me these days. Last night, while staring up at the Big Dipper, they informed me that it is part of the Great Bear constellation (also known as Ursa Major), which they had learned from watching Zula Patrol. Go PBS! :)
Fourth, just chill out on the couch and flip through some of the kids' books or video games. Make yourself appear super cozy and say things out loud, like "Wow, this place sounds amazing" or "I never knew about that crazy move before." In a matter of seconds or minutes, your kids will join you on the couch, asking you to read or play their game with them.
They'll devour the content because you think it's cool. And they'll know that you value them because you value their stuff. Even the toughest nut wants quality time with his parent. He might act like he doesn't want to join you, but the proof is in the pudding. See what he does when you slow down and check out his gear. Enjoy ten to fifteen minutes in your kids' world asking them what their favorite part of the book or game is. Probe about the connections between the book or game and their actual lives. Ask, "So, is there anyone at your school who acts like this character?"
Getting personal with your kids isn't really that hard. It does require some down-time and a relaxed attitude though. If you're stressing over the messes and the unfinished food on their plate, they won't feel compelled to kick back and chill with you. So, take a break from the chaos and connect with your kiddos. Let them know that you love them by spending some quality time together.
Let me know how it goes. Share some of your own thoughts here as well. We'd love to hear from you. :)
Labels: family, kids, parents, quality time
