Slow Down and Enjoy Your Kids

Once again it’s the beginning of another school year. The fun filled days of summer have passed and the fast paced days filled with homework, activities, and sports are again upon us.  We start to think “Where has time gone?” When we are so focused on getting more and more done there is a tendency to overlook the small important moments of life. Children grow quickly and before we know it they will never be as young as they are right this moment. In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives it’s important to find ways to slow down, pay attention and appreciate moments with our children. Here are some suggestions on how to slow down and enjoy your children more.

“Unplug”. When you’re spending time with your children, you should really be spending time with your children. Turn off all technology so you’re not tempted by distractions and can be fully present. Being fully present is an exercise in mindfulness, involving full immersion in what you are doing in this particular moment. This is not easy and takes practice but the reward is that when they realize that you want to listen to them, anything is possible.

Identify and prioritize your tasks/activities for the next day. Remember to be realistic about what you can actually get done and what can wait another day. Simply reducing the amount of things on your to-do list can have a huge impact on the quality time you spend with your children.

Play with your children, and enjoy their creativity, imagination and humor.  Kids are funny and see things in a way we might never imagine. Don’t worry about looking silly. Go with it and have fun. Take time to play with your children and you’ll be creating a special bond that will last a lifetime.

Make it a priority to be active with your children. Take it outside as much as you can. Walk, run, bike, play in the rain or whatever you choose, the fresh air can be so rejuvenating. There’s tremendous benefit to being outside, no matter what time of year or where you live.

Finally, have “mom” and “dad” days with each of your children. Pick one day a week for each child to spend some one on one time with you and another with your spouse. Then switch the next time so each child gets one on one time with each of you. If you’re a single parent, find a friend or relative to help. If you only have one child, it doesn’t matter special time is always important.

Remember, slowing down and being more conscious of how you spend your time with your children may result in less frustration, irritability and stress on all parts. Making the effort to do less and focus on what truly needs to be done will reduce these negative feelings allowing for a happier, more fulfilling relationship with your children.

Danette
Palomar, MA, LCPC