Parents Daily online featured an article about the Highly Effective Habits of parents today. There are many ways for busy parents to remain in their child’s life and not sacrifice their free time.
Parents continue to be busy. Let’s face it, there is always something that requires involvement, be it work, the kids’ school or sports, your own education, groups you are involved in, and a variety of other activities. The most important thing that parents need to remember is that our children need us way more than we need to be involved in everything else.
If you think differently, take one look at the fact that there is no such thing as a ‘normal’ family these days. Instead, children are growing up with parents behind bars, in single family household, with parents of the same sex, or with alcoholic or drug-addicted parents – and these are just a few of the issues kids have to deal with. No wonder there are so many issues!
One fact that was announced that can have a stymieing impact on a parent is when they hear that typical parents actually communicate with their child only 20 minutes per week; per week! That is really hard to believe!
By developing effective parenting habits, this time could certainly increase exponentially! Parents Daily mentioned habits and ways to develop these habits.
Reading or praying (and thanking God for blessings) with your child each night before bed forms a strong bond. If your day does not necessitate time for these events, at least make certain that you hug or snuggle your child goodnight and tell him or her that you love them – and mean it! This time is very special and builds a bond that every child needs and longs for.
Sharing activities that you love may help teach your child skills and allow you and them to spend special time together. This can work even if the child has stepparents. The key that was mentioned was getting along; sharing vacations and holidays – everything is about the children!
Creating special gifts like scrapbooks, letters or books you have written to or for your children, or other special gifts allow memories to stay alive. It is easy to relive special times and important realities once there is some type of documentation to refer back to; a physical substance to hold and love.
During breaks, holiday times and summer vacations, it is important to engross yourself – at least for a few hours a week on special field trips to zoos, museums, parks, etc. that helps to build the memories that you can look back on and share. Making a photo journal helps keep these times alive. Special date nights, alone with each parent, helps the child feel unique and special – a time just for him and his mom or dad.
Of course there are the old-fashioned family values to keep alive, like having dinner together every night and actually speaking about the child’s day and telling them about yours. Trust is very important and helps formulate a tight bond.
Another old-fashioned value is to have a game or movie night. Many families are trying to bring this back. Target even has a distinct section in their store displayed for this specific purpose just as Hobby Lobby has sections of crafts for you to build with your son and daughter.
Commuting in the car (especially if you are a hockey parent!) gives parents individual time to spend learning about your child’s likes, dislikes, their friends and everything else important in their life. If they have certain classes in school that they like, find out something about that subject and create an activity based on a learning project you would both enjoy.
On the opposite stance, simply taking time to take a walk with your child is time that can never be replaced. Depending on the distance of your walk, you will be able to solve the world’s problems by the time you get back home.
Getting involved in volunteering together or donating old toys or clothes to children in need exhibits ways to share what your family has with those that may not have the same. These activities have the effect of proving just what family is all about.
Effective parenting is not easy, but the time you put into it is so worth it. Try following some of these ideas or formulate some of your own. In the end, when your child remain close to you and trusts you, it will all be worth it!
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