Somedays fly by, so fast that we find ourselves wondering where the day went. Perhaps you didn't get as much done as you wanted to. Perhaps you didn't spend what you would consider quality time with your kids. Instead, you spent the day running from place to place, trying to do everything on your schedule. Life is like that sometimes, but there are still ways to spend quality time with your kids, even when you think you don't have time. Here's how.
Turn off the "noise"
If you spend a lot of time driving around, try turning off the radio and having real conversations with your kids. Don't just take "fine" for an answer when you ask how school or practice was. Ask more meaningful questions. It is a great time to have conversations as everyone is in the same place, at the same time. Ask what the best and worst part of their day was and tell them about yours.
Hold family dinners, even if it's just 10 minutes
Everyone's got to eat, so make it a point to all eat at the same time. Even if it's just a 10-minute dinner, it is important to make sure everyone gathers together at one point during the day. If it works better for your family to hold family breakfasts, try that instead, whatever works. It doesn't matter if you made the meal from scratch or picked it up from a drive-thru on the way home, just eat together. It's a great time for conversations, teaching moments and making sure everyone knows what the schedule is for the next day.
Read bedtime stories
Having a routine at night where you read stories to your kids ensures that you will have at least some time together every day. This time is special. It is the last thing your kids do during the day and makes a huge impression on them for years to come. Sharing stories, laughing, talking and winding down is not only important for your health, but also for your family bonding time. If your kids are older read a chapter a night from a chapter book. It doesn't have to be a picture book for toddlers only, make it work for any of your kids no matter their age.
Have monthly dates
Make it a point to set some time aside where you are one-on-one for your kids. If you put it on your calendar, you are more likely to keep the date. It doesn't have to be an all-day event, just a couple hours where each child gets your undivided attention. Alternate months between you and your spouse so they spend alone time with both of you throughout the year.
Have them help you
Chores, cooking dinner, picking up the family room and laundry, these are all things that need to be done throughout the day and are a perfect opportunity for you to spend quality time with your kids. It teaches them hard work, team work and the importance of taking care of your things, including yourself with proper nutrients. It may seem easier to just do it yourself, but if you're looking for ways to spend more quality time with your kids, this is a great opportunity.
It doesn't take tons of time and organized activities to be considered quality time; it can be any of these simple ideas above. The next time you feel your quality time is lacking, look at things you are already doing and see how you can tweak them to become quality time moments.
