Thursday, February 10, 2011
Five simple ways to connect with your kids
If you're a busy parent (like most of us), then you are always trying to share valuable moments with your children amidst the plethora of demands vying for your time. So, here are five easy ways to connect with your kids, even if you're thrashing around like a great white shark, just trying to fit it all in.
First, write simple notes inside of your child's lunch-pail. Today I gave my son some fun facts about the world's tallest mountains. Apparently Mt. Everest has the highest altitude at 8,848 meters above sea level, but it is not the tallest mountain. Geology.com awards the proud island Mauna Kea as the "tallest mountain," which is 10,000 plus meters above the sea floor.
And for a third bit of trivia to the mountain contest, I informed my son that Chimborazo of Ecuador is the highest mountain above the earth's center (6,310 meters). So, just try to connect with your kid over a simple bit of kid-trivia. Or it could be as simple as writing, "I love you" on his or her napkin.
Second, remember to go on special one-on-one dates with your child. If you have more than one, this is especially important. It's hard to fit in time with each kid for a special ice cream treat or a movie at the Plaza. But it's worth scheduling in the time, even if you have to cut something else out. During your special Mommy or Daddy time with your daughter or son, you get to listen with both ears to their thoughts and concerns.
Even if you just end up shooting the breeze about the newest Wii or XBox game or their new favorite song, you'll be establishing roots for your relationship. Ask them basic questions, like where they want to go for summer vacation or what their favorite ride is at Legoland or Disneyland. It's the simple stuff that adds up to form meaningful connections.
Third, draw a picture of your kid at your favorite place together. Maybe it's a pencil drawing of you and her at the beach watching the dolphins swim by. Or, perhaps you will get those crayons out and draw one of the two of you cuddling together eating popcorn while watching a movie.
Whatever you draw, you should take the time to tell your child why the picture is special to you. Let her know that you value your time together. Remind your kid that you care about her because she belongs to you. Then, paste it up on her closet door or frame it and nail it up on her bedroom wall. Your child will see it and think of your consistent relationship no matter how busy and crazy life gets.
Fourth, enjoy the great outdoors together. Go for a walk or a bike ride around the neighborhood. If you have an adventurous side, you could even put your dog's leash on and head out to the wild hillsides of the Inland Empire for a nature hike. If you feel up to it, pack a picnic with fun treats and lots of water as well.
As it warms up, you could go swimming together or run through the sprinklers if you'd prefer to stay in your own backyard. Whatever you do, breathe in the breezy sun-filled air and create some memories together while exercising a bit along the way.
Fifth, dress up in funny clothes together. This will even make your bigger kid(s) laugh. Ask your child(ren) to put on snow clothes inside of your house and then add a summer straw hat to add flair to the fun uniform. You can take turns photographing each other as well.
I have a picture of my three kids dressed up in snow clothes from last summer. People used to see their picture on my phone and thought it was from some kind of a ski trip. I'd say, "Nope, it was inside of our house from a fun round of dress-up." Some of you might think this sounds strange, but if it helps you to connect with your kids, then it's worth the effort.
Share your thoughts about busy schedules and connecting with your kiddos. Just keeping it real! We'd love to hear from you. :)
First, write simple notes inside of your child's lunch-pail. Today I gave my son some fun facts about the world's tallest mountains. Apparently Mt. Everest has the highest altitude at 8,848 meters above sea level, but it is not the tallest mountain. Geology.com awards the proud island Mauna Kea as the "tallest mountain," which is 10,000 plus meters above the sea floor.
And for a third bit of trivia to the mountain contest, I informed my son that Chimborazo of Ecuador is the highest mountain above the earth's center (6,310 meters). So, just try to connect with your kid over a simple bit of kid-trivia. Or it could be as simple as writing, "I love you" on his or her napkin.
Second, remember to go on special one-on-one dates with your child. If you have more than one, this is especially important. It's hard to fit in time with each kid for a special ice cream treat or a movie at the Plaza. But it's worth scheduling in the time, even if you have to cut something else out. During your special Mommy or Daddy time with your daughter or son, you get to listen with both ears to their thoughts and concerns.
Even if you just end up shooting the breeze about the newest Wii or XBox game or their new favorite song, you'll be establishing roots for your relationship. Ask them basic questions, like where they want to go for summer vacation or what their favorite ride is at Legoland or Disneyland. It's the simple stuff that adds up to form meaningful connections.
Third, draw a picture of your kid at your favorite place together. Maybe it's a pencil drawing of you and her at the beach watching the dolphins swim by. Or, perhaps you will get those crayons out and draw one of the two of you cuddling together eating popcorn while watching a movie.
Whatever you draw, you should take the time to tell your child why the picture is special to you. Let her know that you value your time together. Remind your kid that you care about her because she belongs to you. Then, paste it up on her closet door or frame it and nail it up on her bedroom wall. Your child will see it and think of your consistent relationship no matter how busy and crazy life gets.
Fourth, enjoy the great outdoors together. Go for a walk or a bike ride around the neighborhood. If you have an adventurous side, you could even put your dog's leash on and head out to the wild hillsides of the Inland Empire for a nature hike. If you feel up to it, pack a picnic with fun treats and lots of water as well.
As it warms up, you could go swimming together or run through the sprinklers if you'd prefer to stay in your own backyard. Whatever you do, breathe in the breezy sun-filled air and create some memories together while exercising a bit along the way.
Fifth, dress up in funny clothes together. This will even make your bigger kid(s) laugh. Ask your child(ren) to put on snow clothes inside of your house and then add a summer straw hat to add flair to the fun uniform. You can take turns photographing each other as well.
I have a picture of my three kids dressed up in snow clothes from last summer. People used to see their picture on my phone and thought it was from some kind of a ski trip. I'd say, "Nope, it was inside of our house from a fun round of dress-up." Some of you might think this sounds strange, but if it helps you to connect with your kids, then it's worth the effort.
Share your thoughts about busy schedules and connecting with your kiddos. Just keeping it real! We'd love to hear from you. :)
Labels: connecting, kids, parents
