1.
Eat Together & Listen to Each
Other
- Sharing a meal together allows the opportunity to talk about each other’s
lives. This is
a time for parents
to listen, as well as to give advice and encouragement. Attentive listening
conveys a message that a person is really
interested in
another. It also imparts a sense of worth and helps develop trust.
2.
Read Often - The latest
research indicates that reading to your children cultivates an interest for
knowledge and stimulates language
development. It
also increases their attention spans and helps them become more curious. After
reading, ask questions about the content.
3.
Do Chores Together - Part of what
goes on in the home is the development of teamwork. Functional family life
depends on the
contribution of
everyone. Assigning chores is the most productive way of teaching
responsibility and accountability to your children.
4.
Help With Schoolwork - Helping should
begin with an understanding that children are responsible for homework. Parents
are there to help
their child get organized and to encourage them when they get stuck. Regular
trips to the library for school
projects are an
inexpensive and enjoyable way to spend time with children.
5.
Start a Hobby or Project Choose an activity
that interests your child. Cooking, crafts, fishing, or biking will make great
hobbies that can
open the door to exciting family time. Once a child learns a new recipe or is
able to cast a lure accurately, let him
or her take the
lead with supervision.
6.
Play Games - Many children
spend long hours in front of the TV playing computer programs. Find creative
ways to spark an
interest in
family-oriented contests such as board games or card games. This will give you
additional time to talk and nurture your
relationship.
77.
Plan a Family Outing - Sometimes
getting out of the house is important. Hop in the family car and go for a
drive. Prepare a
picnic lunch and
visit a local park. Take time to play catch or ride a bike. A stroll in the
woods will help parents interact with their
children. Also, a
visit to the zoo or museum will spark a child’s enthusiasm and lead to lengthy
discussions.
8.
Encourage Athletic Activities - Sports not only
strengthen the body, but also build character and determination. Whether it’s a
father pitching a
baseball to a son or a mother and daughter nature walking, finding time for
athletic events is important for a child’s
emotional and physical
development.
9.
Create a Family Time Calendar - Since many
parents have hectic schedules, time with children often becomes a low
priority whether
intended or not. Post a calendar on the refrigerator and have parents and
children pencil in special events. Knowing
when you’re going
to meet may also help you think of creative activities. Commit to keeping this
schedule free from interruptions.
10.
Pray Together & Attend a
House of Worship
- Nothing is more special than taking a few minutes each day to pray
with a child before
bedtime. By explaining the purpose behind prayer, children will learn the
importance of faith as the
foundation for the
family. Also, when parents go to religious services, they instill in their
children a reverence for God. Churches
also offer
invaluable support to families.
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