ADVICE RATING |
  4.45 (Worth a try) from 19 votes (750 Visits) |
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Time Alone with Each Child |
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by Saraloo  (June 2006) (rank 54th) |
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As parents we are busy and it is so easy to forget how much the kids look forward to their own individual time with you. My three daughters are all at different stages, and the time alone with me, their father or both means an activity geared to what
they like. They don't have to share the time dwelling on things their sibling's wants it is all about them spending time with you. I sometimes forget how much they look forward to their time, and it they let me know that we have been slipping!
Sure family time with everyone is equally important and teaches them to respect others and share but the individual time is a chance for them to shine and a chance for us as parents to check in with no distraction, and see how they are doing. I find if I am having trouble, particualily with my oldest daughter who isn't as easy to read anymore, some of her problems now run deeper than "I really wanted that cookie and I didn't get one". She will open up to me when I give her the chance to on her own. She has my full attention and I find she uses it, and it carries over throughout the rest of the week. We are on the same page and we have a connection after spending some time we are a team.
I don't always find that we can get together individually every week but we try and take each of the girls at least once on their own with one or both of us once a month. Each one has their preferences of what they like do do when we are alone. My youngest is only 18mths so we can do almost anything from hanging out playing at home, to going for a walk and to the park. My middle daughter who is five likes to go for lunch and window shop or a picnic at the park. My oldest likes to shop, scrapbook or play soccer. So each child gives you a chance to do something you will enjoy together. I try not to over plan our time and leave things fairly wide open for suggestion and time for talking too. Sometimes there is no real disussion about anything just jabber and that is fine too. I am sure after your date with your child you will find the communication lines are way more open than before the date, and should something that needs to be disscussed happen they will be more willing to talk.
Along with their benifit of getting alone time, you will find a whole world of benifit for you too. You will find that you are on the same page with your children and you will continue to keep activities in common with them. I also find that you can get some kind of recap on your parenting as well such, as what is working and what you might need to change.
Enough babbling from me though, take the opportunity to spend some well deserved time with your kids and you will see what I am talking about!!! Just get out there have some fun and reconnect...you will be glad you did!!!
