Quality Family Time
Working parents spend a lot of time trying to make it up to their children for not being with them all day. Research has shown that quality time with children can be more important that the quantity of time. If you're interacting with your child or talking with him, that's quality time. Let's look at a typical day:
- First: Talk with your child during the drive to and from child care.
- Second: Include your child in adult activities such as shopping, cooking and home repair. As long as you make him feel important or even helpful, this is quality time.
- Third: Make dinner a pleasant, unhurried time. Turn the TV off so you can connect.
- Fourth: Use the 30 minutes before bedtime to discuss the day's events at your child's pace. End with your usual bedtime ritual.
- Fifth: A common mistake of working parents is to think that bed sharing is quality time. This isn't a good choice. If your child is asleep in your bed, we could call this neutral time. If your child is awake and crying, it's aggravating time. If you want to provide extra quality time with your child, set aside some special half-days on the weekend to explore new places.
In summary, if you're providing some of this quality contact every day, you're doing great. If you have questions about your child's health, consult your healthcare provider.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.
Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D. FAAP
Last Review: 6/1/2008
Last Revised: 6/1/2000
Copyright 1994-2008 Barton Schmitt, M.D. Parent Advice Messages.
