How to Spend Quality Time with Your Child

With life's busy working schedule parents may find it hard to spend valuable time with their children, the same could be said for the stay at home moms who have so many in home obligations that sometimes prohibit them from spending that much needed time with the children.

Many parents live by the misconception of what quality time is they figure that it is extensive physical play, but that certainty is not the case. Quality time only takes a small portion of your day or week,and it does not have to invlove a good game of chase, or long hours of Barbie or Dora play.

Quality time is where both child and parent bond and connect, it is achieved by the designation of a few minutes to half an hour a day or a couple times a week of the parent's undivided attention to the child. It is when the parent is emotionally free and has no condition that will prevent the parent from being receptive ; such conditions include stress, anger, depression, irritation, frustration, overabundance of work and anxiety. Quality time should not be given in the midst of working nor should it be rushed, during this time the parent should not show frustration or emit body language that implies, let's just hurry up and get this over with. Parents should use this time to show the child love, support, and guidance. During quality time a child should not be criticized, belittled or called names. Use this time for hugs, and kisses, and I love you's.

Quality time does not have to consist of the dreaded, extended games of pretend, it can include;

15-30 (at least)minutes of cuddling on the couch and reading together, not in front of the television or computer daily or at least 3 times a week.

30 minutes of conversation, let your kid ask you anything and you should politely and lovingly answer it.

Doing 15 minutes of coloring or any activity together while talking

30 minutes of lunch together with no t.v. or computer on

Taking a trip out to a place that both you and your child can enjoy, (the Zoo, park, the Aquarium, the library etc..)