Being present in the life of your child
Parenting sometimes means you have to spend hours away at work in order to provide for them, but when you do come home spending even a few minutes with them makes a lot of difference. Some of the things that we value in our home is spending quality time with the children. We always try to have supper together and no gadgets or toys are allowed at the table. It’s a time to talk, to find out how each of our children’s day was. It’s time to connect, its family time. If anyone tries to get hold of me during that time, I am unavailable. Children also love the undivided attention, giving it to them shows you care, and you are there with them right in that moment. Here are 5 simple things you can do with your children that will mean the world to them:
1. Read books together
You can read a story for your child just before bedtime. Creating a culture of reading in your home will encourage the children to also fall in love with books. I started reading for my son in utero, even before he could speak, he would pick a book from our library, and I would read for him. He is now 6 years old, and he has become a fluent reader who has fallen in love with reading. He looks forward to library day at school as he gets to pick out a new book for the week. In a world that has gone digital, I prefer the hardcopies our eyes get to rest from the screen and there are no pop ups. Remember as you show them the importance of reading you are preparing a brighter tomorrow for them “Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.” Margaret Fuller
2. Pretend play
Playing is fun, playing with Mum and or Dad is even more fun. Pretend play is essential for a child’s development. There is imagination, storytelling, language development, expansion of their vocabulary and it’s an opportunity for you to teach them new things about the character they are playing. What a fun way of learning! You are building memories that will stick with them for life, and they will always cherish them.
3. Cooking and baking
Involve them in cooking and baking, they love it. Yes, it’s messy, but it’s a beautiful mess that you will become one of your fond memories once they are grown up. They also want to chop the carrots, big chunks yes that’s ok you will see that big chunk in your plate and it will taste like the best carrot you have ever had. They are developing their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, improving finger strength and creativity.
4. Painting
Painting encourages children to express themselves through art, color recognition, fine motor skills, and it fosters creativity and imagination. Do it together with them, sometimes this is how you discover how talented they are. Collect a few pieces of their art to display in your home, this will boost their confidence.
5. Play games
Games night is a beautiful family time activity. Do it often! Make it a family tradition! Children love this and look forward to it. You can do puzzles, board games, drawing a shape whilst blind folded. This helps build a bond with your children, they get to trust you more and know that their parent will make time for them.
Being there for your child takes commitment Yes! Strive to make them a priority and be very intentional about it. Be their biggest cheerleader, attend their school play, sporting event, awards ceremony cheering them on. Your words of encouragement and affirmations mean the most to your child!