Quality Time
The urban reality of life is the one of a rush. With both parents educated and working, it takes its toll on the children. It does not help that the parents feel guilty for not spending time with the children. instead of allowing the guilt to spoil the child, let us see how we can address this issue in a humane way.
Quality time(QT) is an overused term, yet it describes what is the need of the day. Now,what is this QT? Today let us look at this and figure out what works for us.
First of all, along with monetary investment, we need to invest time for our child. It is easier to get back to daily grind without protest if the child knows you’ll spend time next day too. When we make time, it is ONLY for the child- keep away from all gadgets, both of you. Replace them with activity- a simple walk, taking the child to the park to rolling in the bed!! Let the child lead the activity. Do what is the child’s choice, however, tedious it is. Remember, the child is still developing!
Especially when the children are small, we need to go at their pace- walking or doing. Never take things away from the child while he/she is trying to do something. Respect their efforts and SHOW how to, if the child asks for help.
It helps to know the child. Read up. Talk to other parents. There are parents/parenting groups on the internet that help. And in all, be guided by what is best for the child. Spend time observing your child and other children- that will teach us a lot.
However much we emphasise together time for family, it is insufficient. All together is a unit that makes a family which is going to be the support of a Healthy and Confident child. Spend time together as a family. Make time for a meal every day. If timings clash, whoever is there,eat together and make it a point to eat together on weekends.
As Khalil Gibran points out-
Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of life’s longing for itself……..
You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth……..
Let your are bending in the Archer’s hand be for gladness; for even as He loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable.
