See Your Children As “Blessings”

My Blessing: “Saanvi”

A baby is an inestimable blessing.

Mark Twain

Children grow so very quickly. It felt like yesterday when I held my bundle of joy for the first time in my arms, I was really over the moon and like most of the parents, I also promised myself to devote my time entirely to her.

[wordads]

It is easy to promise yourself you will spend more time with your kids  “when things get easy at work” or  “when I get that big promotion” or “next year when I get time for a vacation.” But if you don’t get a hold on your life, life will hold you so tight that the weeks slip into months, the months slip into years and before you know it, that little child is now an adult with a family of her own.

Having a baby comes with a lot of changes in one’s life. Babies are a true blessing especially because they have many lessons to teach their parents, even from their first day of life. Babies bring to the surface all that is good, kind, and selfless in their parents’ hearts.

The greatest gift you can give to your children is the gift of your time. And one of the wonderful gifts you will ever give yourself is that of admiring your kids and seeing them for what they truly are: the little blessings of life.

[wordads]

So here are some amazing tips to spend some quality time with your kids:

1. Morning Routine

Add at least 10 minutes to your morning routine that is dedicated to your child. Do anything that makes them happy. Maybe you do stretches together to start the day or make breakfast together. Talk about the day ahead or plan your snacks and meals together.

2. Bedtime Routine

Just like some quality time when you wake up, add some to bedtime. As kids get older it may seem like they want some alone time and don’t need you for bedtime as much. You could still set aside time between TV, dinner, homework and bed to really focus on talking together. Read a chapter of a book together, wash your faces and brush your teeth at the same time or just discuss how their day went in school.

3. Tech Time Out

We are all so bound to technology these days. We don’t keep our phones aside even for a second. Try to follow “Tech Time Out” once in a while to cater to your children’s emotional needs. It’s hard at first but if you keep at it, I bet you will find it will get easier and easier as you make more memories.

4. Take More Pictures

When was the last time you and your child took a selfie together? Did you giggle together? Daily selfies are kind of hilarious and addictive. At least to me.(you can see that in the picture above) and hopefully to you and your child too. When you have a year’s worth of pictures, make a photo book. Trust me, when they would be all grown up and you would be old, these pictures would be one of the most cherished moments of your life.

5. Pick a Common Hobby

Pick a common hobby that you both enjoy. In that way, they will not only get to learn new life skills, but you also get to spend time together. More quality time to spend together, more communication, more understanding and hence more love!

[wordads]

6. Have a Family Meal Time

Try to have a fixed dinner time. The time when your entire family is on the dining table and everyone interacts with each other and tell his or her day out. Pay attention to what everyone says. In that way, we create a special bond with everyone that we care for them.

7. Play Fun Games Together

If not daily, at least spare some time on weekends to play fun games with your child. These games can be Indoor or Outdoor.

Here are some ideas to play Indoor games with your child:

• Play different games like-word games and makeup jokes and riddles together.
• Chase, wrestle or roll around together.
• Play board games like ‘snakes and ladders, ludo or simple card games. This helps your child learn to take turns and play fair.

[wordads]

Outdoor play is not only fun – it’s good exercise too. Here are ideas for getting outside with your child:

• Make time to go to the park together – walk or ride a bike there, if you can.
• Give your child the chance to practise skills and get better at things like climbing and catching a ball.
• Lie on the grass and look for shapes or animals in the clouds.
• On a dark, clear night, go outside and look at the stars.

Meaningful connections are about the quality of time, not the quantity of time. Keep it simple and connect with your child in ways that make sense for your lifestyle and relationship. Each connection has a lasting impact and provides the support and reassurance that your child needs.

The greatest legacy we can leave our children is happy memories.

Og Mandino

Advertisement