Families are busier than ever. Even now, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, you might try to juggle a busy schedule like never before. Maybe you’re working from home and trying to keep your child engaged in virtual learning.
Or, maybe you’re working more hours in the office, running errands on your way home, or trying to get dinner on the table before everyone has a meltdown.
If you have more than one child, you might be busy taking one to soccer practice and the other to a piano lesson.
Whatever the case, having a busy schedule isn’t just overwhelming. It can also be guilt-inducing. You might feel you don’t have enough time to foster meaningful connections with your child. While you’re doing what you can to make sure their needs are met, it can sometimes feel you’re sacrificing your relationship with them to do it.
So, how can you build those connections? It’s easier than you might think if you’re willing to bend your schedule and get creative.
Have a Connect Time Each Day
Everyone has ten minutes of free time each day. If you don’t feel like you do, think about something you currently do that can be “eliminated”. Do you scroll through your phone while drinking your morning cup of coffee? Use that time to talk to your child, instead.
Have a designated time to connect with your child each day, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Talk to them about what’s going on in their lives. This designated time will quickly become something you both look forward to, and a part of your daily routine.
Make and Eat Your Meals Together
Getting children in the kitchen is a great way to foster healthy eating habits. But it’s also a fantastic way to connect.
You have to make dinner anyway, right? By getting your child involved, you can use that time to teach them new things, laugh, share stories, and get closer. You should always make a point to eat your meals together, too. They don’t need to be complicated or “fancy”. It’s the connection and communication that matters most, not the food.
Don’t Forget to Play
Children need to play, and there is nothing they will love more than having you as a playmate–even if it’s only for a few minutes. Play with them for a few minutes in the morning before they go to school, or when they’re in the bath in the evening.
Doing so will actually help you unwind and reduce stress. And even just a few minutes of play with your child will mean the world to them. It will quickly strengthen your bond and make your child feel more connected to you on their own level.
Don’t be afraid to laugh and be a little silly with your child. You can still keep that parent-child relationship intact and let yourself have some fun, too.
Turn Off Your Technology
It might tempt you to spend whatever free time you have catching up on social media, emails, videos, or even just the news of the day.
But, if doing so is taking away from time with your child, it might be time to rethink your priorities. Whenever you catch yourself on your phone or computer and it isn’t absolutely necessary, make a point to put the electronic device down, and use that time to focus on your child. Those little moments will add up quickly.
Building meaningful connections with your child is all about making small, daily choices. When you’re able to do that, you can build a better bond that will combat any busy schedule.