Sometimes when we think about connecting with our children, we think about holidays, like going overseas, going interstate or just being away from home, as we think only then we will have time to bond and get to know our children.
Yes, I can understand sometimes life gets in the way, and you feel that you have to ‘get away’ to fully focus on them. That’s a fair comment, but let me ask you: what about the days you are not on holiday, does that mean you will hold on to your “bonding-task” until the next holiday?
Parenting is a relationship
Bonding and creating connections with your children is NOT a job, it is building and having a relationship with someone you care and love. Your child does not require the expensive toys, trips, holidays, luxury apartments etc…, but they need YOU!
Yes, I acknowledge that you are busy and tired by the end of the day and the last thing you need is to entertain your children. I get it! But let’s change the way we think.
Bonding through everyday activities
What if I tell you bonding and connecting with your children does not have to be hard work. You can actually bond and connect with your children through everyday activities, which are fun at the same time; would you be interested to find out more?
The only thing that I ask from you is commitment, focus and time on your part, but I promise, you will love the end results.
Everyday activities
What are everyday activities? Things that you do every day, such as shopping, cleaning, cooking … yes, connect through everyday activities. They are easy, fun and cost little, oh very empowering for both yourself and your children.
Activity – Library
Today, we are talking about visiting the libraries – a fun way to connect through books. These are physical books and not reading on a screen. Visiting the libraries together empower the children with the love of reading and learning.
I remember taking my two children (preschool aged then) to the libraries at least two to three times a week. We would search through the story reading times at several libraries around our area and make the library days as our ‘dates’.
During the library visits, we would:
- attend the story telling time
- borrow a few books, both audio and physical books.
After that, if the weather permitted, we would visit one of the parks and have lunch, before heading home to rest. My children would be listing to the audio borrowed from the library while lying down resting.
Toddlers/preschoolers
For toddlers who have just dropped off their siblings to schools, a visit to the library would be a treat for them. Story telling would be fun and would take their mind off from having to say good bye to their siblings.
School aged children
Work out a suitable time for them, whether it is after school or during the weekend. I usually like the weekend, because it is relaxing, and they can take their time choosing the books they like. It is a fun way for the parent who has least time with the children to spend quality time with them.
After the library, how about a stopping over at a cake shop… or a park for a stroll … or go bushwalking…
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