Special time with Your Kids (and Grandkids)
During the spring, we often get busy with Easter, getting the garden going, cleaning out the garage, spring sports, etc...so we often forget that our kids often need some good one-on-one time with us. I was reminded of this the other day, when I was trying to list all of the cool things my kids were good at and their characteristics and I found that I struggled with it. If I had been doing more one-on-one time with them, that list would be a breeze, because I would have gotten to know them on a deeper level than my normal life gives. So, I got to thinking what ways would make it easier to spend that deep one-on-one time with my kids.
- Keep it simple I think we all have the tendency to make something simple into something more than it has to be. Getting the mail together, a walk around the block, snuggling up in a blankie all count!!
- Plan it out Putting special time on a calendar can almost be as fun as what you choose to do with your child.
- Ask what they want to do Remember, it's their time and picking to do something they want to do can reinforce that special feeling. They also can surprise you. Sometimes all they want is to go with you to buy milk one day.
- Have a super special day for special occasions, like a birthday
- Have a special father/mother interview
These can be a bit tricky to have fun with, but they show that you care about what they are doing and where they are going.
What to do with your one-on-one time:
Once you are on your special date, it can sometimes feel a bit awkward, especially if you haven't done one before. Some of the things that you can do on the date to make it less awkward are to talk about their goals, compliment them, talk about things you share in common, their friends, and generally go out of your way to make them feel special. Some things that we like to do that make them feel special is to get them a special drink just for them, hold the door open for them, and we have a special silly little walk we do when it is just the two of us.
Words of Caution:
Some things to keep in mind as you get started and to help you avoid some common pitfalls are:
· Keep your date-If you forget or put it off, that makes them not feel special and is hard to undo.
· Don't overdo it!-If you start off with an amazing date, trying to top it or keep up the same level of special can get pretty hard and expense.
· Don't combine your date with other activities, if possible. Don't buy groceries when you went to go get a donut for them as they feel like a tag along on their own date
Hopefully these tips and tricks can help you get going on special one-on-one time with your kiddos and help you have a wonderful time. Feel free to share how it goes and some of the special outings you like to go on!
- https://www.polyvore.com/father_child_silhouette/thing?id=8429583
Elise Grant
Monthly Newsletter Contributor since 2014
Email the author! elise@dvo.com