With the pressures of our fast-paced lifestyle, spending quality time with your children might seem impossible. Between work, school, and sports, the days slip by. But making time for your kids doesn’t have to be time consuming or challenging. Below are five ideas for spending time with your children after a hectic day, to strengthen your bond and make lifelong memories.
1. Host a Family Storytime Session
The easiest and best way to bond with your children is through storytelling. So sit in a comfortable spot with your kids, read them a book or come up with stories together. Let your children participate in the narrative by adding their own twists.
Picture books or fairy tales are fantastic for younger children. For older kids, try chapter books or even having them tell you about their favorite parts of a film or television show. Not only is storytelling a creative outlet, it also lets you learn about your child’s interests and thoughts.
Pro tip: Play it up by having different characters speak or using props such as stuffed toys to make the narratives realistic.
2. Make A Small Art Project Together
It’s a therapeutic and enjoyable activity to share with your kids. Give yourself an hour after dinner to let your creative juices flow. Art is a way for kids to let their hair down, whether it be by drawing, painting, crafting or sculpting with playdough.
You don’t have to be an artist, you want connection instead of perfection. Create something together, such as a family portrait or a Christmas card. Hang the completed painting in a prominent location to remind everyone of how you both spent time together.
Bonus Pro Tip: For something more interesting, you could do themed art nights, like “Underwater Adventure” or “Outer Space” where you tackle a specific topic with your art.
3. Cook or Bake Together
The kitchen can be a wonderful place to spend time with your children. Invite them to cook for you, or bake a pastry. This game teaches us vital life skills and creates the perfect space for dialogue.
Let your kids do the nitty-gritty, such as measuring ingredients, beating batter, or decorating cookies. Not only will they be involved, but they’ll also be proud to help with the family dinner.
If you want something a little different, you could even do “Build-Your-Own” dinner, like tacos, pizza, or sandwiches, where everyone chooses their own plate. The game facilitates teamwork and provides an opportunity for each individual to be creative.
4. Enjoy a Computer-Free Game Night.
If you live in an age of screens, getting away from it is beneficial for everyone in the household. Spend a night playing board or card games or solving puzzles. A game of Monopoly, Uno or Jenga can bring good fun and competition.
If you prefer something more energetic, you can play charades or a house-wide scavenger hunt. These games involve collaboration, communication, and problem-solving while remaining family fun.
Pro tip: Change the game night leader every week, and let your children pick a game they love or develop some new rules for a little more excitement.
5. Stargaze and Share Dreams
You could always get out and enjoy the night sky as a means of calming each other down. Get out blankets and pillows and spend time figuring out constellations or just basking under the stars.
This quiet time should be spent imagining dreams — literal and figurative. Talk to your children about what they hope for, and what you hope for. It is a process that induces awe and sparks meaningful conversations about the future.
With younger children you might improvise stories about the stars, with older ones you might explore astronomy or imagine space travel.
Why These Activities Matter
What’s central to all these practices is the concept of intentionality. Even just a few minutes of deliberate, playful communication can turn kids into people who feel loved and appreciated. They also allow parents to take time away from the busyness of the day and spend time with the unadulterated, raw essence of their children.
In fact, if children feel that they are close to their parents, they will experience increased security, self-confidence and self-esteem. And these daily activities also strengthen the parent-child relationship, setting the stage for open communication and trust as they develop.
Quick Tips for Success
Prioritize Consistency: While you may not be able to do all five activities per week, ensure that you incorporate one or two at a time.
- Be Attainable: Block out all other distractions like phones or office emails so you can attend to your children during these activities.
- Listen to What Your Child Wants: Kids are all different, so make these suggestions based on what interests them.
- Make It Simple: Connectivity, not perfection, is what matters. Keep it simple, and don’t worry about fancy configurations.
Your kids don’t need big gestures and elaborate arrangements to get time together after a long day. Intimate, intimate experiences such as reading a story, cooking or gazing at the stars can make memories that last a lifetime. You’ll not only increase your connection with your children but will also bring happiness into the family and bring greater family harmony when you put more effort into these moments.
