Spending quality time with your child is important for many reasons. Whether a newborn or a preschooler, your child wants to spend time with you – he needs you.
You already know your child wants to spend time with you – and you with her. But with today’s hectic schedules and busy lives, how much time is considered enough?
Although there is no magic number of minutes you should spend with your child each day, it is important to know that it’s not the quantity of time together but rather the quality of time together. Spending 15 minutes reading a book with your baby snuggled in your lap, asking questions, and acting out the characters is better than being in the same room with your baby for an hour while your baby plays and you smile at her every so often. So, if you worry that you’re not spending enough time with your child, remember to make the moments you do have together count by being present and engaged with your little one.
By engaging in conversation on the way to preschool or singing a song before bed, you’re already having wonderful moments with your child. Keep it up – and know that those quality moments add up to a lot.
Parent Tip: When you are with your child, put your phone and other electronic devices away – not just down, but out of sight. This will enable you to be more present with your child.
