Spring Growth: Time Together

As we continue to look at growth in our families, in light of the arrival of spring, let's think about what behavior encourages family bonding.  There are several possibilities for bonding to take place, but one of the most important and somewhat obvious, yet neglected, is spending time together.  Simply being in the same house at the same time is NOT spending quality time together.  Quality time together will build relationships and requires communication and interactions.  



Do you spend enough time with your child to encourage that family bond?  According to a survey and article posted by The Population Reference Bureau, on average an American parent spends approximately 6-12 hours per week spending time with their child, not including basic needs like bathing and such.  That would be less than an hour per day to about 1 3/4 hours per day on average.  The article reported that parents increased the number of hours spent with their children over the years.  It was not specified what activities were done together, but I would venture a guess that some of that time was in front of the television.  How much quality time do you spend with your child? Is an hour watching cartoons quality time? 

Is there any interaction going on between you and your child while you are together?  Through interactions and communication our family relationship will grow.  When there is no interaction and no communication, the bond breaks apart.

How can we encourage interaction and communication in our family?  First, make sure that you are doing activities that require you to talk with your kids and family members as well as have some physical contact.  Play some sports or board games.  Make dinner together.  Sit down to dinner together.  Read a book as a family and then role-play the fun parts.  Go for a walk and talk about your day.  Help them with their homework and study with them.  There are so many great ways to bond that do not cost money and can be done at home.  Be creative and enjoy your children while they are home!  You will be amazed at how much trust and love builds through being more interactive with your family!


Reference
Cohn, D'Vera.  (2007).  Do Parents Spend Enough Time With Their Children?  Population Reference Bureau.  Retrieved from: http://www.prb.org/Publications/Articles/2007/DoParentsSpendEnoughTimeWithTheirChildren.aspx