Amidst the long list of duties we are faced with each day, spending time with our children can often be difficult. Yet, it is one of the greatest things we can do to safe-guard our home and our families. Here is a list of 10 creative ways we can make time for our children.
Do chores together
Chores need to be done every day, so why not do them with your children? Folding the laundry, cleaning the bathroom, or weeding the garden, allows time for conversation and tender teaching moments.
Cook meals together
Meals come three times a day, and preparation goes into those meals. Assign each child a day of the week to help with the cooking. This allows you one-on-one time with each child, and also lets you teach them important life skills that will benefit them when they are on their own.
Exercise together
Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. By exercising with your children, you are teaching them just how important it is. It doesn't have to be a strenuous routine. My kids' favorite exercise is cranking up the radio to and dancing together. It burns calories and we have fun while doing it.
Go grocery shopping together
You can do it as a family, like we do. Half of the kids go with my husband with half of the shopping list, and the other half go with me. We then have a race to see who can find the items on their list first. We usually follow it up with a stop at the ice cream shop. If this sounds a little too hectic, then take turns taking one child out at a time and make that child feel special while you are out together.
Eat meals together
It is a good time for great conversation.
Spend a few minutes tucking each child in at night
When they get older, it's not "tucking them in" but it is still the same idea. Go to them in their room and spend a few minutes talking with them. Doing so will let your children know that you care about them.
Read a book together
In addition to the scriptures, my family reads other books, like The Chronicles of Narnia or Peter Pan. It's fun for all of us to cuddle up together and listen to a fantastic story. It also allows younger reader to practice.
Play a game together
This is my children's favorite thing to do. Whenever we have free time, they ask if we can play a game. To them, it's not just a matter of playing and winning; it's a time when we can sit together and laugh with one another.
Do a craft together
Not only is this fun for your children, but it is also fun for parents to see the creative side of their kids. We have a craft bin that has all kinds of fun things in it such as construction paper, stickers, and glue. When the lid comes off, the ideas start flowing.
Do homework together
Rather than send your kids off to their room to do homework, sit down and talk through it with them. This is a great opportunity for parent-child bonding. We are a homeschooling family, so doing homework together is a given, but I would recommend it to everyone. I treasure this time with my children.
Put these suggestions into practice, and you will see that making time for your kids is one of the greatest things you can do for yourself and your children.
