Spending time with your family is more than just having playtime. Quality time with your children is a key part of their development and building a relationship with them.
Builds Self-Esteem In Children
Kids who spend time with their parents participating in activities together have better self-confidence and build positive self-worth. They are more sociable because they sense that their parents value them and have an easier time building relationships. Quality time doesn’t need to be an extravagant vacation or expensive activity. Having a regular family game night or trying a new puzzle is a great way to start.
Strengthens Family Bonds
Families who share everyday activities together form strong relationships and handle stressful situations with ease. Studies have found that families who enjoy group activities together share a stronger emotional bond as well as an ability to adapt well to situations as a family. Children share more about their lives in these situations that if you ask them ‘What happened in school today?‘
Develops Positive Behaviors
Consequently, kids will start to develop positive behaviors because of influences from home. A 2012 study showed that children who ate regular meals with their families did better in school. Furthermore, adolescents who spent more time with their parents tended not to abuse alcohol or experiment with drugs. Also, kids who frequently eat with their families also usually have improved dietary intake compared to those who don’t eat as often with family members.
Creates Memories
Another reason for having family time is to create warm memories for parents and children alike. Children with happy family memories are more likely to create a loving environment for their own children when they grow up.
It Helps Parents and Children Connect
It is also a time when life lessons, like sharing, fairness, and compassion, can be reinforced without conflict. Children grow and change quickly, so family time is a wonderful time to get to know your child better. Children share more about their lives in these situations that if you ask them ‘What happened in school today?‘ When you spend time with your children you are fostering an environment for open communication.
There are many reasons for parents to do what they do, and at the center of it is family. Make tonight family game night and spend some quality time on a new board game or puzzle with the kids.