Let’s ponder on some of these needs of children and how best we parents can balance the fine line of work and life!
TIME is the best gift that we could give to ourselves, our families and children. Happy family times spent with children foster a sense of security and confidence in children. This leads to healthy and trusting relationships in future. Children develop important skills like sharing thoughts, feelings and begin to empathize with situations. They also learn to differentiate and respect your time with them and at work, because they know that when you can, you do bring joy into their lives.

So, how does one actually spend quality time? Is it going together to the grocery store, park, buying toys, giving baths, reading stories, playing games or going to an amusement park?

Well, spending quality time is all of the above and more. It does not mean spending loads of money or time but creating fun together in whatever you do! Here are some quality time tips that you can try with you children and see how fulfilled you and your children feel.

1. Read stories to your child while sitting on the sofa and ask the child to tell you a story too! Just remember to switch off the television for 10 minutes. Not that difficult!
2. When giving your child a bath, tell stories about your own bath time when you were a child. Arouse your child’s curiosity!
3. While in your car, talk to the child about your plans for the day. Remember to switch off your radio for a few minutes.
4. Make cooking time a fun time too. Tell your child what ingredients you are using and what dish are you making! Involve them in the cooking as well! It would be fun to watch your child imitate later, some of what you do!

5. We all need to buy groceries. Take your child along and ask for help in picking vegetables and fruits. Wash your hands with them when you are back! You are the best role model!
6. When you fill in groceries in containers, take your willing child’s helping hand and let them fill a container or two. Give them safe scissors to use if they are ready.
7. While exercising, ask them to copy you. Its lot of fun to watch the little one imitating your moves!
8. Explain that you are worried or busy about some important work rather than getting irritable at children. Reason with children and not shirk them.
9. Involve children in family time plans. After you finish your milk shall we go down for a walk today or just read a book?
10. When you do have time and energy, arrange a mini picnic or a special time out or call the child’s friend.