Today I’m participating in the Ultimate Blog Swap. You’ll find me posting over at PJ's Till Noon about my method for giving fantastic gifts without spending a lot of cash, and I’m delighted to welcome Bridgette from Blessings Multiplied to Evolution to Simplicity.
Bridgette is a work from home Mom who loves life while balancing her time with family, raising twin daughters, working at the family business, and finding creative ways to save money. She enjoys sharing information, tips, and adventures through her blog Blessings Multiplied.
Please enjoy Bridgette's post about carving out one-on-one time with your children.
Take Your Child on a Date
Having a family with children is a wonderful blessing; however, it can be difficult finding time to spend one on one with each child. I have been blessed with twin daughters who spend the majority of their time together. A couple years ago one of the girls had to go in for surgery and we had a family member watch her sister while we were at the hospital. While everyone did really well, it became quite obvious to us as parents that we need to set aside time regularly to spend with the girls individually.
Like most siblings our girls have very different personalities and interests. One is into babies, animals, and princesses and the other one is into rockets, sharks, cars and science. After a brainstorming up creative ideas for spending fun time together with each girl we decided to implement date night with our children.
Like most siblings our girls have very different personalities and interests. One is into babies, animals, and princesses and the other one is into rockets, sharks, cars and science. After a brainstorming up creative ideas for spending fun time together with each girl we decided to implement date night with our children.
What Sorts of Things Should I Do on Date Night?
· Date Night In – on date nights one parent takes a girl out and the other parent has a date night at home (this helps cut down on the expenses). The girl that stays home gets to pick what to eat for dinner and what activities to do while they are home. A lot of fun activities can be done at home (games, movies, playing in the yard, reading books, riding bikes, going on a walk) and more fun activities.
Why Should I Have a Regular Date with My Child?
· Open Communication – when a child has time with their parents one on one they have the opportunity to talk about their interests. One of the comments our girls made one date night – “I can talk about whatever I want to and not be interrupted.” Every child is unique - allow them to spend time being themselves and sharing their thoughts with you. I want my girls to know that they can come to me with their dreams and hurts, and that, no matter what, Mommy and Daddy love them.
· Shared Memories – our girls still talk about Date Nights we did years ago. They had so much fun spending time together that date nights quickly become part of the favorite memories they enjoy talking about. Often the conversation starts like this “Do you remember that date night when we……..that was so much fun” followed by smiles and giggles.
· Strengthened Relationship – investing quality time into relationships will help the relationship grow stronger. Our girls know that we have time set aside regularly to spend one on one with them. The kids grow up fast and when you establish that relationship early they have security and confidence in their family.
· Shared Memories – our girls still talk about Date Nights we did years ago. They had so much fun spending time together that date nights quickly become part of the favorite memories they enjoy talking about. Often the conversation starts like this “Do you remember that date night when we……..that was so much fun” followed by smiles and giggles.
· Strengthened Relationship – investing quality time into relationships will help the relationship grow stronger. Our girls know that we have time set aside regularly to spend one on one with them. The kids grow up fast and when you establish that relationship early they have security and confidence in their family.
While date nights take time they can leave a positive imprint on the lives of our children forever. It is fun to relax and laugh together with each child. Kids are so full of life, energy, and excitement; it is a real joy for me to see their personalities continue to grow and mature. The best way to demonstrate your love for someone is by your actions; going on a Date Night with your child speaks volumes of love and has many other wonderful benefits.
Do you have Date Nights with your kids? What fun activities do you enjoy on your date nights?
Thanks to Brigitte for this lovely and insightful post. Visit Life...Your Way to see all of the Ultimate Blog Swap participants!
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