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Making Time For Your Kids
by: Debbie Madson |
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Whether you work at home, stay at home or work full time if
you have kids making time for them is the most important priority in your to do
list each day. Do you ever have days where you just put the kids to bed and
realize you haven't read any books to them today, gone outside to play or just
sat down and played a game of Candy Land or Go Fish with them. Some days they
are fed, clothed and happy and you can call it a good day. How can you find
little ways to corporate more playing, laughing and enjoying your kids?
1.Make a point to eat together everyday. As kids get older
they become busier but make family meal time a must in your house. Whether it is
only breakfast and dinner it is important to use the time to talk to your kids
and enjoy their company. Consider taking dinner with you if you are on the go.
2.Set a bedtime routine that includes 10 minutes at least
with each child. Even if they are 16 you can still go in their room and talk to
them for a few minutes. For younger children bedtime is a great time to read or
have them read to you. Talk about what their favorite thing they did today was
or what they want to do tomorrow. Asking them questions that provides more than
a yes or no answer can open the lines of communication as well as not asking too
broad questions. Asking a 5 year old what they did in kindergarten may be too
hard for them to answer but ask them what they did in circle time or who they
ate lunch with they can easily answer.
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3.Have special one on one activities with each child each day
or an outing once a week. Whether it is something simple like playing a game,
letting them help you with a household chore or going out to lunch once a week
make it time when they have your full attention.
4.Get your kids involved in making dinner. It may take a
little longer when they are younger but it is great quality time with your kids.
Not too mention teaching them to cook has many added benefits like instilling
healthy eating habits, reiterating school lessons and improving their self
esteem.
5.Take your kids with you to run errands, shopping or
wherever possible. Listen and sing to kids music with them. Play a game of 20
questions while you are waiting at the doctor's office. Tell them a story about
“when you were little”. These times can be great teaching moments. Whatever you
do, don't let a day pass that you forget to take time for your kids. Give them a
hug and tell them you love them but also show them by your actions throughout
the day. I know if you are like me you don't mean to overlook the time we could
be spending with our kids but we get busy, life passes us by and our kids just
keep on growing!
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http://www.kids-cooking-activities.com has kids cooking lesson plans to help
you in teaching your kids to cook and giving them activities to explore and
learn in the kitchen. |
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