Lest We Forget: Time is the Greatest Gift We Can Give

As a parent, sometimes life gets in the way or we get absorbed in finishing a task and the kids get busy entertaining themselves and it is fine and happy until…

It isn’t!

Obvious statement, yes. The relative calm can flare up at any moment and turn into walking into a room of carnage, or an argument where siblings are almost at the stage of strangling each other!

That's what happens in my house anyway, in the time periods I have let this core principle slip.

You can use this behavior as a reminder that your kids need your time as well, it is the greatest gift you can give them, as it shows that you care.

I have attended many parenting courses and this is always at the center of making sure children are happy and even well behaved (sometimes, you can’t expect miracles).

Spend time with them.

It is a gift to you as well, they are only young once and as they get older and more independent if you don’t spend ‘dedicated’ time with them now, they are more likely shun your advances to talk to them about important issues as they grow up.

Like I said, it is something that can slip through the cracks, when you are rushing about, sorting out dinner, or after school activities and you have a thousand things going on in your head.

But it makes the world of difference.

Even things like sitting at the dinner time together, or getting them to read to you, or anything messy! Get the paints out, bake a cake.

Make sure it is not just time, make sure it is dedicated time...

Put your full attention is on them and not whatever issues are going on in your head, or outside the four walls of your home.

You are building the foundation for the future and a strong relationship with your children.

That is invaluable.