Your presence may be one of the most important gifts you will ever give to your child. With all that demands our attention as parents these days, it can be hard to be intentionally present. There are phone calls, emails, social media, sports schedules, volunteer commitments, late nights, long commutes ... Oh, and what’s for dinner? Life is busy.
Here are five easy tips you can implement today for practicing presence with your kids.
1. Turn off the T.V.
One of the biggest distractions that keeps us from really being with the ones we love are screens! Sometimes the T.V. is “just on for the noise.” Try instituting a no-TV-night or two a week. Instead, play games, go for a family walk, or dig out the old family photo albums for a night of sharing your favorite memories.
2. Remove the Apps
Have you ever been waiting in line, at a stop light, or ... let’s be honest, a kid’s sporting event, and pulled out your smartphone to check social media? Mindlessly scrolling for what seems like a few minutes really adds up. Bloomberg.com reports that adults age 35 to 49 average nearly seven hours a week on social media. Next time you are with your kids at the park leave your cell phone behind. Or better yet, try removing social media apps from your smartphone altogether.
I tried this back in December and have found it amazingly less tempting to grab my phone in those slow or downtime moments, and instead, to focus on where I am.
3. Join the Fun
Instead of worrying over the messes kids create, why not learn to expect them? This will keep you from being disappointed when cooking with mommy turns into mommy can’t wait to get dinner over with so she can mop the floors. When you see your youngsters in an imaginary game, or building a castle with their LEGOs, join in. You’ll both be glad you did.
4. Put Off Chores
Try to save the bulk of your tidy-up time or email checking for after youngsters are in bed. While they’re awake, focus on engaging with them, reading, playing games, or letting them help you with a few smaller tasks like dusting, sweeping, or putting away their toys. If you can’t get your to-dos off your mind, make a short list and get right back to being present with those you love. You’ll never have a better excuse to procrastinate.
5. Use Body Language
Ever tried carrying on a conversation with someone from another room of the house? It never works out very well. Studies have shown that over half of communication is nonverbal. This includes things like your facial expressions, gestures, and even your posture. Use your body language to communicate to your kiddos that what they’re saying is important to you, and that they are valued.
Try it Today!
How to Connect With Your Children During Busy Times
It is difficult for parents to find quality time with their kids...
Kennan is a wife and stay-at-home mom to Jaxson, Caden, and Emilyn. She has a BA in Mass Communication/Journalism from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and has many years of experience as a writer and photographer. She now uses her skills to run Marken Media Co.(www.markenmediaco.com), a company she owns with her husband Marcus.
