Parenting Blog

"The average parent spends twice as long each day dealing with their email as they do playing with their child." — British government survey finding

We all know that feeling of trying to tear ourselves away from the computer to tend to our kid.  Back in the days when more of our work was manual -- kneading bread dough, darning socks -- we could at least attend to kids while we accomplished our tasks.  Computers rivet our attention and take us right out of the room. Our kids feel that.

Of course, dealing with kids can be challenging at the end of a long day.  Most parents say they have to psych themselves up to remain calm and cheerful through the dinner, bath and bedtime routine.  But the tone of this time together is what creates the fabric of your child's life. 

Can you make your child your priority for these few hours?  Can you resist that urgent need to quickly check your email, and focus instead on connecting with your kid?  Can you stay calm through all the bedtime testing so the last thing your child feels is safe warmth, rather than angry threats?

How?

• Implement a routine -- make a chart with pictures -- so things go smoothly.
• Divide parental time equally between kids.
• Give each child some private quality time after lights-out for a snuggle and low-key check-in.
• Don't do anything else during the bedtime routine so you can focus on moving it along.
• Go to bed early enough yourself so you aren't exhausted the next evening during the bedtime routine.

May your evening be filled with miracles, large and small.