Finding a happy medium between work and family life can be difficult for parents. Time is a luxury that cannot be afforded these days, and juggling work and parenting is a challenging task. You want to be able to give your all and advance in your career while also trying to be the "best parent in the entire world" in your children's eyes.
The importance of parental availability in a child's formative years cannot be overstated. Nothing can ever replace that. As a parent, we're sure you understand how difficult it is when you cannot find time for your kids. It can be bothersome if you don't know how to go about it. Don't worry, Kids Services got you covered.
In this article, we'll highlight ways to make time in your busy schedules to spend quality time with your kids.
Establish a Family Ritual
A family ritual is something that the entire family does occasionally. Bedtime stories, daily or weekly evening strolls, family round-table discussions and game nights are all options. The goal is to set aside time for togetherness at least once a week.
This routine allows you to form meaningful connections with your children. You'll learn about their perspectives on various issues, get to know them better and be able to instil desirable traits in them.
Make Mealtime a Time for Bonding
Make an effort to eat meals together as a family. This allows you to communicate and connect with your children. As children grow older and work schedules become more hectic, savoring mealtime can be a vital opportunity to spend time with your children. It may not be something you do daily but make a point of doing it a few times a week. You can learn about their day-to-day activities and even have a good laugh while everyone eats.
Limit Your Use of Electronic Devices During Leisure Hours
In today's world, one of the greatest impediments to family time is technology. Quality time with family is lost because of parents' frequent time with phones and gadgets, and children spend all their time with television and mobile games. This will not help you form meaningful bonds with your children. Take a walk outside as a family or play outdoor games together. Don't let technology consume any spare time you have with your children.
Give Up Some Activities to Make More Time for Your Kids
When was the last time you reviewed your daily schedule? Your involvement in a variety of activities may deprive you of the opportunity to spend more time with your children. If you find it difficult to devote more time to your children, examine your daily routine for activities that are depriving you of time with them. Spending quality time with your children is not a waste of time!
Engage Your Children in Chores
Allowing one person to handle household chores is counterproductive when chore time can be turned into family time. Engaging your children in housework improves their team spirit and, even better, gives you more time with your children.
Limit Your Child's After-School Activities
Due to their hectic schedules, some parents stockpile after-school activities for their children to keep them occupied while they are at work. As a result, they reduce the amount of time they spend with their kids because everyone returns home exhausted. Limiting your child's involvement in after-school activities improves your availability to them. It can be a difficult decision, but it is worthwhile in the end.
Assist Your Child with Their Schoolwork
Instead of sending your children to their rooms to do their homework, walk through it with them. Helping your children with their schoolwork at home gives you more time to spend with them. Children become bored doing schoolwork alone but having their parents around makes it a fun experience that leaves a positive impression on them that will last forever.
Spending more time with your children is difficult, but it is worthwhile to try. You must deliberately put these practical tips into action if you want to spend more time with your children.
Kid Services can also help you put these tips to practice through our consultancy. Contact us today and let us know how we can assist you in balancing work and childcare.