You may feel guilty that your son’s best friend has the best of everything. Designer clothes, games consoles and all the latest trends but don’t feel guilty if you can’t do the same for your child.
Giving you child everything they want and never saying ‘NO’ may seem like you are doing your best for them but what they need more than anything is our love. Material possessions are not the same as spending quality time with your child which is invaluable.
· Let them choose an activity which you can do together. It can be as simple as baking a gooey chocolate cake, or making something with some messy arts and crafts.
· Read with your children, let them read to you and take it in turns. Make a little time every night before bed to tell them a story. They will remember the fairytales or stories you tell them and will enjoy the undivided attention.
· Go to the park, take a ball, a kite or simply go on a nature trail. Just enjoy being out in the fresh air with them.
· Make meal times a chance where the whole family can sit together and talk. Let it be a time where they can talk to you about places they would like to visit, find out who their latest best friend is and show interest in them. It’s good if they can share their fears, excitement and worries with you without it becoming a ‘big deal’.
· Start up a new family hobby, such as bike riding, playing skittles or even starting a vegetable garden and letting everyone choose what they would like to try and grow.
Sometimes it can be hard to find time to dedicate it just to your children, with piles of ironing, washing, hovering and meals to cook. If this is the case ask them to help. Pop on some funky music and get busy in the kitchen. Let them help you cook, make sauces or lay the table whilst doing a boogie. Show them your best disco moves whilst dusting and get them to join in. It may not be as perfect as you’d like but as least you had fun!
In many years ahead your child will remember the funny stories you told at bedtime or the crazy dances you used to do together. These make much better memories than a child who had everything he wanted except his parent’s time!
You may feel guilty that your son’s best friend has the best of everything. Designer clothes, games consoles and all the latest trends but don’t feel guilty if you can’t do the same for your child.
Giving you child everything they want and never saying ‘NO’ may seem like you are doing your best for them but what they need more than anything is our love. Material possessions are not the same as spending quality time with your child which is invaluable.
· Let them choose an activity which you can do together. It can be as simple as baking a gooey chocolate cake, or making something with some messy arts and crafts.
· Read with your children, let them read to you and take it in turns. Make a little time every night before bed to tell them a story. They will remember the fairytales or stories you tell them and will enjoy the undivided attention.
· Go to the park, take a ball, a kite or simply go on a nature trail. Just enjoy being out in the fresh air with them.
· Make meal times a chance where the whole family can sit together and talk. Let it be a time where they can talk to you about places they would like to visit, find out who their latest best friend is and show interest in them. It’s good if they can share their fears, excitement and worries with you without it becoming a ‘big deal’.
· Start up a new family hobby, such as bike riding, playing skittles or even starting a vegetable garden and letting everyone choose what they would like to try and grow.
Sometimes it can be hard to find time to dedicate it just to your children, with piles of ironing, washing, hovering and meals to cook. If this is the case ask them to help. Pop on some funky music and get busy in the kitchen. Let them help you cook, make sauces or lay the table whilst doing a boogie. Show them your best disco moves whilst dusting and get them to join in. It may not be as perfect as you’d like but as least you had fun!
In many years ahead your child will remember the funny stories you told at bedtime or the crazy dances you used to do together. These make much better memories than a child who had everything he wanted except his parent’s time!