Our world is more complex than ever before. Events that will shape the future of not only our lives but of our children’s lives seem to be flying past us as break-neck speeds. We as a society have been bombarded by the negative cadence of such events by the media and others within our community who may be in a state of panic or stress. As adults it has become much more difficult to reconcile bad behavior and ethics as they appear to be rewarded time and again. Even more serious is the negative effects these events are having on our children. There has never been a greater need than now to spend quality time with our kids. Our children are being subjected to upside down values and double-talk on a daily basis. If we as adults are not willing or able to offer a counter-balance and voice of reason to our children then who will?
Economic times have forced most households to rely on more than one wage earner just to make ends meat, raising the challenge of physically being able to spend quality time with our kids. For some, down time translates into rest and recharging the internal batteries. So what’s a parent to do?
Surprisingly even small amounts of time spent giving unconditional devoted attention to our kids can make a huge difference in their lives. Watching television or a movie with your kids is NOT quality time. Showing an interest in THEIR interests, listening attentively to what THEY have to say and acknowledging their efforts is time much better spent.
Quality time is more than just listening. Quality time should also include a means for which life lessons can be shared in an open and non-judgmental way. Stories are a great way to get the message across, while allowing the child to come to the conclusion of the moral on their own. After all, who hasn’t heard the story of the Hare and the Tortoise or other such Aesop fables?
Take a moment to turn off the television, video games and other such distractions and pickup a short story to read to your child. Let them share their results and conclusions with you. Remember to not pass judgment on their findings, but do encourage an open dialog.
The investment of quality time now, will return huge dividends with the relationship of your child in the future and will also help to anchor and ground your child for the situations they may encounter.
Pete Ellison is a professional Drum Circle Facilitator and Motivational Speaker/Consultant working in Los Angeles California. As Founder of One World Rhythm (a interactive music entertainment company), Pete has over 17 years of practical hands on experience in working with diverse groups of people. From corporate boardrooms, city classrooms, nursery schools, park & recreation programs, senior centers and countless library events, Pete’s unique presentation style provides for rapid results and fun-filled outcomes.
For more information on inspirational stories for kids, visit http://inspiremykid.com
Tags: bonding, child, children, inspiration, kid, kids, Motivation, Parenting, quality time, reading