Spending Time Together

Commit to finding & spending time with your child this year

There’s some good news about parents these days. They’re spending more time with their kids. That’s good for parents and kids.

But with parents also spending more time at work—and getting to and from work—it isn’t always easy. How can you find the time to spend with your child?

Here are some ideas:

• Include your child in your exercise routine. Sadly, too many kids and parents struggle with weight. Set aside time to take a brisk walk with your child. Or put on a video and work out at home together.
• Schedule it. Many families have plans for a family night once a week. Make this a habit and protect the time.
• Remember that sometimes “good enough” really is. Not everything in life has to be perfect. So feed your child a sandwich—and then take a walk to look at the stars. The truth is that your child wants you to be less stressed and tired.
• Do chores with your child. Use the time to teach important life skills.
• Watch your child’s favorite TV show together. You’ll learn more about what your child is viewing and you can talk more about it.

Reprinted with permission from the September 2007 issue of Parents make the difference!® (Elementary School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2007 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc. Source: Neil Howe and William Strauss, Millennials Rising: The Next Great Generation, ISBN: 0-375-70719-0 (Vintage Books, 1-800-733-3000, www.vintagebooks.com).