Spending Quality Time With Your Kids

Spending time with kids might seem easy peasy (it is, actually). But sometimes after a long tiring day, whether you’re a working parent or a stay at home parent, you may end up just too exhausted to be spending QUALITY time with your kids.

Studies have shown that parents who spend more time with their kids are more emotionally secure, and this is vital for their emotional and physical development.

But to be honest, there are different ways of bonding with your kids. No, it doesn’t necessarily mean that we have to go on bike rides or play ball outside all the time. Of course, outdoor activities would definitely be an awesome time to be connected with your kids but here are some underrated ways of spending quality time with the children.

COMMUNICATION IS KEY

Whether your kid is a baby, toddler or young adult...what they really want is the parents’ attention. But there are different ways of communicating with kids, we just need to find which “language” best suits them.

According to Dr Atiyah Azmi, here are the different ways of communication that we can use with our kids:

Touch - kids often like being hugged and kissed. Stroking their hair, dancing around in the house with them will also break down the barriers.

Speech - some kids may need words to feel that they are loved. Saying “I Love You” or even complimenting them or reassuring them of their achievements can make them feel like they have accomplished something.

Time - have you ever tried using your phone or laptop in front of the kids and they suddenly start throwing things on the floor or even worse...have a melt down?

Well, that means that they want your attention and that they want to spend time with you. Sometimes, they just wanna sit on your lap while watching tv. It could also be that they just want to sit with you at the table while you eat or do you work. It can be frustrating at times especially when it seems as though you don’t have any time to yourself but remember this: They might not depend on you for long. So enjoy these precious moments while you can :)

READING

Reading to your kids will not just help them enhance their vocab, but it’s also a great way to bond too!

Get your kids to sit on your lap and read to them. If you think they might be bored, try pointing to the pictures and describe to them what it is. It’s a good idea to get them activity books or the board books where they can touch and feel. It would enhance their sensory development too.

You can also read the Quran with or to them. To find out how you can get your kids to love reciting the Quran, click here.

COOKING

Getting your kids to “cook” may seem like a nightmare but don’t worry, you don’t have to pull a mini Masterchef competition with your kids :)

Getting your toddler to spread some butter, chocolate spread with sprinkles on the bread is a fun activity for them.

For slightly older kids, they might enjoy some simple baking. If you’re not a baker, getting the pre-mix would be just as fun for them ;)

(To watch how you can get your kids to help you around the house, click here)

HEALTHY AND FUN ACTIVITIES

You can have fun activities in different ways! Easy indoor activities such as painting, bathing, drawing, and basically any form of playing is fun for the kids!

Once in a week, you could try bringing the kids out for a walk in the park. It’s a good activity to break your usual routine.

(Here is a way to have a fun picnic time with the kids. Click here)

A RITUAL - SETTING ASIDE SOME TIME TO CONNECT

The first thing you could do is to set some time aside to bond with your kids. Having a special “ritual” will make the moment even more special.

During the weekends, it’s also a good idea to have some “dates” with your kids. Take them out for ice-cream or for a short “special walk.”

However, during weekdays, you could spend 1 to 2 hours with them before putting them to bed.

Bathing them, reading to them and even eating at the table with them is considered a good time to connect with your kids after a long day.

GADGETS

We can’t deny this but social media is very addictive. We tell ourselves that we will only scroll down for a few minutes but then before you know it, half an hour has passed!

Setting aside a few hours of your day to disconnect and bond with your family can do wonders. It’s healthy for both your mind, body and soul. Try it :)

Here are some fun activities you can do with your kids at home:

To read more posts on parenting, click on the links below:

How To Encourage Your Kids to Fast during Ramadan

Encourage Your Kids to Say Salaam

How To Teach Your Child To Be Kind

How To Teach Your Kids To Love The Quran