Life can get busy. And sometimes after the blur of our days, I sit down and wonder, did I actually spend time WITH my children today? Yes, I was physically with them all day. I took care of them, dressed them, fed them, took them to and from activities, soothed them, bathed them, read to them, and kissed them goodnight. But did I spend time WITH them? Did I connect with each of them individually? Did I give them my undivided attention, play with them, and teach them?
These are the thoughts that float through my head as I drift off to sleep. It got me thinking and drumming up some ideas of activities that I can do one on one with my children to connect with them on an individual basis. A special activity that is just for mom and them. No siblings. No distractions. Just valuable time together.
5 Ways To Connect with your Children Individually
Grow & Maintain a Garden
Start a garden in your yard (here’s how), and manage it together. Pick out the seeds together, teach them how to plant the seeds, water them, and maintain the garden while you wait for your harvest. Then once they are ripe, let them pick their food and enjoy the fruits of their labor!
Journal to Each Other
Journaling with your kids is an easy and fun way to connect with them. If your child is too young to write, draw pictures for one another, paste family photos, or use the journal as a way to introduce reading and writing. If your older child needs ideas on what to write about, ask questions in your journal entry to them to spark the conversation. Designate a special place to trade off the journal, like under each others pillows, and keep it going back and forth a couple times per week.
Cook Together
I firmly believe that cooking with children is much more fun and much less messy when only one child is involved! Buy them a cute apron and pick an age appropriate recipe to cook or bake together (suggestions here). Plan a time to do this when you’re not rushed and you can take a slow and relaxed approach with them. Younger kids can help pour, stir, pick stems off herb leaves and sample the ingredients. 🙂 When they’re bigger they can also help pick out the recipe, read the ingredient list, and measure out portions. All kids can learn patience in waiting and the satisfaction that comes from eating something they created.
Read a Chapter Book to Them
Help your child pick out a chapter book that is of interest to them and read them a chapter a day. Do this in a quiet and peaceful place, like in their room at bedtime. Mark your spot each day with a bookmark you create together or a special one you buy just for this. You will each look forward to this daily routine and sweet time alone together.
Work on a Puzzle
Dedicate a space in your home to work on a puzzle together. For younger children, try a 50-100 piece puzzle with larger pieces and teach them the difference between a border piece and middle piece. For older children, look for a larger puzzle in a theme that interests them. It will take time and patience to complete, but it will be so gratifying for them in the end and you will have logged some quality alone hours in the process.
Time alone with your children can be hard to come by, but when given the chance to have a moment with them, special memories and sweet bonds can be made!
