How Quality Time With Kids Means A Healthier You

Quality time is defined as spending time with a person where that person receives undivided attention, often doing a task that either they like or that both people enjoy. This kind of time and attention makes the person for whom it is being done feel loved and secure. That is why it is so important for children to spend quality time with their parents. Research has shown that children who spent a lot of quality time with their parents were less likely to have behavioural issues, try risky or dangerous behaviour, and were more mentally and emotionally stable than counterparts that did not get the same type of time or were often alone. (Jones, 2017).

The child’s benefits of quality time within a family are quite well known, but did you know that parents benefit from this time too?

• Relieves stress: You are forced to unplug

Ideal quality time scenarios will have you putting the gadgets down and focusing on each other. While this does wonders for your child’s sense of self and security, it also gives you a tech detox. This alone can help reduce your stress levels by simply getting your eyes to focus on other things. You are also very likely to talk to your child as you spend time with them and this too is a decompressing activity.

• Feel pride: You get the chance to observe and wonder

Spending quality time with your child gives you the chance to really observe them and who they are becoming. Ignoring work and other distractions for that time period can help you really connect with your child. It is in these moments that parents are often left in awe and feeling proud (this is great for your wellness too) at how much their children know, do, and have achieved, or become aware of what they may be facing at the different stages of their life.

• Reconnect with yourself: You get to be a parent

Just as important as it is for kids to be kids, it’s important for parents to be parents. With the busyness of daily life, parents often take on their different roles more than their parental ones. Putting on the parent hat can do wonders for your own sense of self and sense of purpose, which in turn does wonders for your personal wellness.

Remember, quality time doesn’t have to be a lot of time. It’s benefits do not lie the length or quantity, rather in the frequency and, well, quality! Try to create a routine with your kids. Having a weekly family game night can count as quality time, or reading a story together every night before bed can count as quality time. Playing a game of their choice or doing an activity of their choice together is also quality time. 

---

Reference:

• Jones, C. (2017). What are the benefits of spending quality time with your kids.