Do you wish you had some strategies to reconnect with your child – not just today… but every day? Do you want to strengthen your relationship with your child?
You love your children. You want to be the best parent you can be with them. But at the end of the day, do you ever wonder what you did with your child? Do you ever feel guilty about not spending enough time with them?
As a passenger in a vehicle, I often catch myself watching the scenery whizzing past the window. Sometimes, the car moves so fast that everything blurs into a mass of shapes and colors. My parenting journey sometimes feels like this, too. One day blends into the next. The days fly by: from breakfast to chores, to breaking up fights, to chauffeuring the kids from one extra-curricular activity to the next. Then, one day, my child does something to remind me how much they’ve grown and changed.
If you can identify with what I described, then I want to reassure you that you can have meaningful experiences with your child, and it doesn’t involve setting aside an entire day to spend with them. Quality time can be woven into your day with much ease.
Here are five powerful ways you can reconnect with your child.
Check out these five powerful ways to connect with your child! #parenting Share on X
1. ASK THIS ONE QUESTION.
How many times does your child ask if you could play with them? When they’re young, they probably make this request multiple times throughout the day.
Imagine approaching your child and asking if they would like to spend time with you. Whether you play together, go for a walk, or simply chat on their bed, this experience will be more meaningful because you approached them.
2. DO SOMETHING IMPORTANT WITH THEM.
Do something meaningful with your child. Invite your child to join you in completing an important task. Children like to feel included in “adult” tasks and essential duties. Here are some projects you could invite them to do with you:
- Would you like to help me pick out the plants for the garden this year?
- Would you like to help me plan the dinner menu for this week? (You could even put them in charge of a day).
- Do you want to help me change the oil in the car?
- Do you want to help me mend this blanket?
- Want to help me map out our road trip?
- Would you like to help prepare the dinner for grandma and grandpa?
3. TALK.
Most children love to talk. Ask your child about their day. Be specific with your questions. Avoid big questions like, “How was your day?” Consider asking more specific questions like:
- “What did you do at recess today?”
- “Can you tell me about your favourite thing at the science fair?”
- “What did you enjoy the most at the park?”
If you want to have some more in-depth talks (or if you’re looking for some great conversation starters), check out this resource! It’s full of clever ideas for initiating great discussions with your child.
4. GET OUTSIDE WITH THEM.
I love going outside with my children. There are so many things to delight in when we’re outdoors! I love the connection made while playing in the dirt or taking a nature walk. Here are some of my favourite outside activities:
- blowing bubbles
- making mud pies
- going for a nature walk
- collecting rocks, sticks, leaves, etc.
- drawing with sidewalk chalk
- having a picnic
- cloud watching
- star gazing
5. BEDTIME CHECK-IN.
At the end of the day, make sure you’ve got ample time to read, snuggle, talk, and tuck in your child. No matter how tired you are or how much you need that glass of wine, don’t rush this part of their routine. Even if you had a crazy day, a scheduled bedtime check-in helps you end things in a positive way.
Being a parent is challenging! There are so many demands, and at times, it may feel like everything (and everyone) is vying for your attention. Don’t let the busyness of life rob you of connecting with your child. It’s never too late to spend quality time with them. Try these suggestions, and you may be surprised by just how easy it is to reconnect with your child.
SHARE WITH OTHERS
All great suggestions on how to reconnect, especially the direct approach of asking and just spending time with them. Happy Tuesday now and wishing you a wonderful rest of the week now!! xoxo <3
As usual you hit the nail on the head with these suggestions. I really love that first one. I know Madison loves to ask me to play with her and I sometimes brush her off because I’m working. I need to stop doing that and get on her level. Wanna know why? My 16 and 12yr old now does nothing with me. When I ask, THEY are the ones who’re busy or don’t want to. So I’m going to spend more time with Madison and hopefully it’ll continue all the way to adulthood.
I love your suggestions. Des is still in preschool so Thursdays are our “big (or small) adventure days. I really love all the connections we make for a full day. Talking, asking and answering questions, check-ins, etc.
It’s harder with Scarlet because she’s on the go more – with school, lessons, friends. I think the end of the day check-ins or our breakfasts together are so important. One on one time with both kids is crucial for us.
Okay it makes me feel good to know I already do a lot of these things. My daughter and I are going to plant some flowers today! Even I’m excited for it!
As my children get older I see how much more intentional I need to be about reconnecting with them. I mean, who can compete with their devices? But I love, reconnecting at bedtime and value those tender moments to listen to their hearts. It’s such a precious time.
Thanks for these tips, Jennifer!
You absolutely described me- always a blur and I wonder often if I had any meaningful quality time with my kids by the end of the day.
Jennifer, these were excellent ideas. I especially like the idea of asking to spend time with our kids- they always beg us to do that, and turning it around would be a huge and wonderful surprising blessing to them!
loved this! thank you
You’re so very welcome Jennica! I’m delighted you enjoyed this.