6 Tips To Spend Quality Time With Your Child

Whether it's dirty diapers and sleep deprivation with a baby, or homework, school runs and music lessons with your older child, life can get so overwhelming sometimes that we forget to actually have a good time with our children. And whether you are a stay-at-home parent or a working parent, quality time with a child is actually quite easy when you put your mind to it. Read on to find out how you can create quality time with your child.

How To Spend Quality Time With Your Child?

We're always connected - that bit is true. But who or what are we connected to? The digital world, mainly. Social media, work, errands, the list is endless. Sometimes, it takes a little disconnecting with other things, to truly connect with our children. Here are some ideas to create quality time with your child

# 1. Phone-free time

Every one of us is guilty of being glued to our phones while answering a child's question or when we are supposed to be spending time with her.

• It takes a while to be free of this addictive habit, but in the end, it is totally worth it when we see that extra big grin on their faces when they have your 100% attention
• So put the phone aside, make eye contact and listen when your child speaks to you
• Make meal times phone free - no disruptions to family time, especially when dining together
• When it's story time at night, make sure you leave your phone in a different room

#2. Walk the talk

Wherever possible, walk instead of drive. There's something soothing about walking side by side, maybe holding their hands, and having a nice chat.

• It's easier to get your child to talk openly when you're walking, instead of asking pointed questions at a table
• It's great exercise for both of you!

# 3. Learn His / Her Jargon

Make an effort to find out what games your child likes, what books he likes, and what he watches on TV. He will love it when you know what he's talking about.

• If video games or cartoons are anyway going to be part of the deal, you might as well be aware of what your child is playing or watching
• You can play with your child and sneakily keep the time spent on it to a minimum

# 4. Encourage Hobbies (that you can be a part of)

Some children like to play sports while others love music. (an interesting read for you - how to introduce offbeat hobbies to your child )

• If your child is involved in three different activities, try and be part of one
• For example, you can play tennis with her on Sundays, or have a jamming session at home on Saturday evenings
• Have a budding artist? Dip your hands in those finger paints and get creative together
• Singing or playing together is a great way of bonding
• You can also schedule a once a week cook-a-thon where your child helps you prepare a meal

# 5. Get All The Help You Can Get At Home

Let's face it - there's always laundry to be done and food to be cooked.

• As far as possible, get help so that you are not stressed out all the time balancing house chores, children and me-time
• Stress is a horrible deterrent when it comes to spending time together. Even if you are physically present, stress can make you mentally absent

# 6. Travel Together

Travel is a wonderful way to get away from the routine and revive your bond with your child. Of course, you should travel only and only when it is safe.

• Whether it's a trek or an exotic holiday, children love anything new, and are naturally curious
• If a vacation is not possible, go on a Sunday picnic. A day out is a great opportunity to get away from the routine and have fun conversations
• If exposed to it right from a young age, travel helps to shape a child's personality later

In the short while that I have been a parent, I've realized that "quality moments" are all about those spontaneous laughs, the warm hugs and meals shared. However difficult the parenting journey seems a lot of times, a little effort goes a long way in having a wonderful relationship with your children.

Have tips and ideas for spending quality time with children? Share them with us in the comments section!