Let’s Have Some Quality Time With The Children

What is this thing they call quality time that you spend with your family and children?

First of all I have to admit some of our modern terminology really annoys me so much, and this particular term; “Lets have some quality time with our children”, is easily top of the list. I will go into detail as to why later in this post.

Growing up I never heard of this term once, but then again my parents didn’t spend that much time time with me at all so I guess I missed out completely.

However, I’m also from a generation where our parents weren’t aware of how important family time is. I was basically allowed to do my own thing from an early age. Has it damaged me? Left me messed up? Well ok, maybe just a little bit, but it also helped me become a better parent because I treasure every moment with my children.

When I hear a parent say we are going to have quality time this weekend with our children, does that mean that all the times during the week have not been quality time? Surely every time you are with your children is quality time?

Is quality time defined by a visit to the park or a day out to the zoo or a farm? Does it need to include anything that involves spending money? I personally don’t think so. Quality time for me is defined by just being with your children. Anytime I am with my children is quality time.

The quality time I’m talking about though is not maybe not what people consider quality time in the 21st century.

I believe it is eating as a family, or talking about their day at school, playing with them and watching tv together whilst all sat on the sofa having a cuddle. This in my humble opinion is true quality time. It will always be interrupted by the routines of life. Like washing up after tea, or getting their packed lunches ready for school for the next day, but of course you can involve them in these activities. Surely that becomes quality time?

We in a society that has now started labelling so much, and when I hear that expression quality time with the kids I could scream the rooftops down!

I genuinely believe every moment, every minute, hour, dayc whatever it is, is time well spent with your children for simply no other reason other than you are with them, you are enjoying each other’s company.

Maybe today people are so intent on working long hours, and I appreciate that sometimes people have to work long hours to just keep paying the bills, but remember your children deserve your time. Not just now and again. The memories you make as your children grow up are worth so much more than money. It’s one chance only, you can’t repeat it so don’t regret missing the moment.

I’m safe in the knowledge that I have not. The memories I have of all my children are forever in my mind and hopefully theirs too!

I think that 10 minutes with your children throughout the day just listening and talking to them, can have a very positive, beneficial effect which they will take with them into adulthood, which hopefully will make them good solid parents themselves.

What do you think about this idea of quality time? I would love to know.