If you don’t know by now, I’ve got three kids, ages 9, 11 and 13, so finding quality time with each of them is hard. I know it’s important to give each individual attention – for them and for me. I like to connect with them individually to find out what’s going on in their lives – with school, with their new friends, and to just check in. Especially at their ages now. I’ve got two kids who are suddenly very interested in the opposite sex now too. Dear God!
It’s really easy to bond with my daughter, McKaelen. I just take her shopping, and suddenly, we’re bonding at Target or any of the girly stores in town. She’ll tell me anything as she scans the racks looking through the latest types of Jeggings.
One of the ways I’ve been finding time to connect with my youngest is at the local coffee shop. My daughter is my middle child and she takes an art class at the coffee shop. During this weekly class, Luke and I will hang out, have a snack, and spend time together. We’ll catch up on the week, he’ll do his homework, and then we’ll play hangman, read, play Bananagrams or even color together. This is a great time to sit and be together. Even though my daughter is at the same place with us, she’s across the room having an art lesson while Luke and I are doing our own thing, sharing a treat and bonding. It’s so important and it’s now our weekly date.
AJ and I bond every night. He’s 13 and insists on a nightly tuck-in still. If you’ve read my profile here on RealMoms Guide, you’ll see that I’ve said to never deny your child the Tuck-In. Even if it’s a three-minute tuck-in, give this time to your child. AJ gets mad at me if I don’t get upstairs to tuck him in when he’s ready for bed. I’ll meet him in bed and snuggle up. I try not to ask him too many questions, although at age 13, there are so many things I want to know about his life. I figure though, he tells me what he needs to, and I’m there for the important stuff.
Bonding with our kids is an important part of raising them. We do it from the moment they come out of our wombs. We don’t stop bonding with them, ever. We can’t. We’re human. It’s what we do. Find the ways and the time to bond with each of your children individually. It’s too important, not only for your kids, but for you as well.
Fingers crossed that all my kids (which might just be two) still want a tuck-in at 13 — so cute! He must really love his mommy. =)
Thanks Heather. I have to keep reminding myself every night — Keep tucking him in. I only have 5 years left with him! Waaaah!
I have “date night” with my 6 year old every Friday night he and I lay in bed watching tv and he falls asleep and we scoop him up and put him to bed! My 14 and12 year old have a day off a school term which we hang out separately and do girl talk ! We also have an honesty chair where you can sit in it and discuss anything with no repercussions it works really well for my hormonal daughters !
Emily — I LOVE these ideas, especially the honesty chair! What great ways to spend QT with your kids!