Tips for Quality Time with Your Children

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Disney Junior. All opinions are 100% mine.

Do you ever look at your kids and feel like they have grown overnight? That’s how I have been feeling about Elias and Adeline lately, but especially Adeline. All of a sudden she has blossomed – getting taller, more confident and just older. She is going to kindergarten in the fall and is definitely ready.

Each of my kids really value quality time with Matthew and I, but it seems like Adeline really needs it these days. I have been really intentional about getting that 1:1 time with her and it has made a big difference. Her attitude seems lighter and she has been extra affectionate. As a working mom with three kids, finding ways to spend quality time together can sometimes feel challenging. Below are a few ways it works for us. (Also important to note, sometimes we do 2:1 time and that often satisfies too, especially depending on the situation.)

Tips for Quality Time with Your Children

• Plan for it: Put quality time on the calendar. For instance, two weeks ago, Adeline and I had a girls day. (We actually had Ezra with us, but since he is a baby, Adeline said he didn’t count.) We went shopping and picked out a new Disney Junior Minnie Mouse items at Walmart including a new outfit, Disney Minnie Mouse Bows and Dots Beach Towel and bedding. Adeline loved getting to shop with Mommy and getting a “special treat” at the store. We then went to a tent sale at a local vendor and saw a play at the local children’s theater with some friends. We had an awesome day together! During that same time, Matthew and Elias also had some 1:1 time and ran a local kids’ marathon.
• Keep it simple: Most 1:1 time in our house is really simple. Going for a walk together, making a craft project (like a Kiwi Crate), or running errands together. Sometimes it’s as simple as snuggling on the couch and watching Chopped Junior! For Mother’s Day this weekend, the big kids and I went strawberry picking at a local farm and had the best morning together. The kids talked about how it was so fun and good that Ezra didn’t come because he would have probably fussed. Reading between the lines, I recognized how they valued the time together, just the three of us.
• Discuss it ahead of time: If your 1:1 time is something planned, discuss what you are going to do ahead of time. This helps manage your child’s expectations (ie: we are going to go to the bookstore) and avoid meltdowns or having to say no a lot during your time together.
• Be open to spontaneity: As much as planning can be helpful (especially if you have a few kids and a busy scheduled), be open to spontaneous chances for 1:1 time. Sometimes it can result in the best memories and conversations.

During your 1:1 time with your child:

• Have good conversations: 1:1 time is the perfect opportunity to have meaningful conversations with your child. Talk to them about what is going on in their life and use the time to really listen. When we were shopping, we picked up some Minnie Mouse bedding to donate to a local non-profit. While selecting it, Adeline and I talked about how we are so blessed and so are able to cheerfully give to others.
• Encourage your child: During your time together, encourage your child. Share what makes them and your time together special. I always make a point to tell my kids during 1:1 time how special it is to me to have this time together and how much I love them. I also make a point to specify something that I noticed about them that day, such as good behavior, a kind word, etc.
• Put technology away: Try to keep your cell phone usage at a minimum so that you do not get distracted.
• Take a photo: Document being with that child and take a photo together (you can use your phone for that!). These selfies will be treasured in the years to come.

As a parent, you’ll see positive ripple effects of having that quality time together. Sometimes it comes out in innocent comments, like Adeline saying, “yay! the towel we bought together” when she was playing in the sprinkler this weekend. Other times it is a simple change in the child’s mood or behavior after having that time.

How are you intentional about spending quality time with your children?