Do you know how to live in the present with your kids? Are you one of the modern day parents who have a busy schedule? Do you feel like you’re constantly running from one activity to another all the while your kids are growing up faster than you can blink?
If you’re a parent that struggles with how to live in the present with your kids, then you’re in luck. Today I’m going to share some simple ways you can learn to be more present to enjoy your kids’ childhood without feeling like it’s just another thing to add to your already overbooked schedule.
See Also
- How to Get your Kids in the Garden
- Check out our Tips for First-Time Moms
- Find out How to Involve your Kids in the Kitchen
How to Live in the Present with your kids
Use a Timer
Set a timer for anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes. During this time you’ll put away electronics and any other distractions in your life to spend quality time with your kids.
During the time your timer is going, it’s important to do nothing but pay attention to your kids. Let them ramble, engage in pretend play or do whatever they desire to do during their time with you.
Do Chores
Find some chores in the home that have to be done but can be done with your child. This is a great way to live in the present with your kids while getting some much-needed household chores done.
Doing chores with your kids is the perfect way to have some quality time together while helping get the home tidy.
Just Listen
When your kids come over to you rambling about something that’s important to them, pause what you’re doing and listen. If you’re truly in the middle of something that can’t be paused, just let them know you’ll finish this task and then sit to listen.
Be sure your mind is free and clear during this time you’re listening to what your kids are trying to share with you.
Schedule It
If all else fails, put “kid time” in your calendar. This will force you to work everything else around the time you’ve devoted during your weekly schedule to be present for your kids.
You can use small parts of your day to be more present such as during a car ride, or while sitting on the sidelines watching your kid’s sibling play a sport.
Take Breaks
The only way you‘re going to be present for your kids is if your tank is on full. This means you need to make ‘me time’ breaks a big part of your daily life.
Whether you take a warm bath at the end of each day or curl up to read your favourite book, be sure you do one thing each day to recoup your own mind and body so that you can be more present with your kids.
These are just a handful of ideas for how you to live in the present with your kids. The reality is that adults lead pretty busy lives and kids sometimes are placed on the back burner.
It’s easy to get accustomed to a busy routine and neglect the emotional needs of your kids, especially if they’re not kids who beg for your attention, but it’s important you follow my tips today to be more present with your kids so that they grow up feeling loved, confident and a valued part of the family.
