Being a parent is the hardest job in the world. There is no instruction manual, and no two days are ever the same. It has grown especially difficult over the last decade as the world has become a much busier place, leaving little to no time for a personal life. Parents are working longer hours, and kids are being raised by electronics, but we aren't here to judge. We understand that life is chaotic and sometimes things that should be at the top of the priority list have to take a backseat to what's going on around you.
This being said, we thought it would help if we gave you a few ways to spend more time with your kids, while still allowing you to deal with the chaos of daily life. Here are 7 things you can do with your children so that you can spend more time together.
1. Set the routine.
As chaotic as getting up and ready for school in the morning, or getting ready for bed in the evening can be, it's a perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with the kids, even if it is just normal daily activities. Chatting with them while you brush their hair, or hanging out together as they tidy up their room before bed can be a lot of fun (for both of you).
2. Schedule a "date."
It doesn't have to be anything crazy, but if you set something up with you kid(s) in advance, they will realize that you are setting aside some special time just for them. Plus, it will allow you to schedule around any number of other things that are complicating life at the time. Heading out to see a movie, or just having dinner together are both great ideas.
3. Exercise together.
If there is one thing all adults (with or without children) wish they had more time for, it's being physically active. Add kids to the mix, and you will find you main source of physical activity to be putting out the "fires" starting up around the house. Get your kids to exercise with you and kill two birds with one stone.
4. Bring them back to your childhood.
Life is a lot different than when we were all kids. The things that we grew up doing just aren't done anymore, mainly because kids today aren't interested in going "old school" for any reason. Do something with them that takes you back as well: build a fort, go outside and just get messy, or even bust out the classic video game system to show your kids what real games were like.
5. Family movie night.
We spend enough time in front of the television as it is, so why not make a familial memory or two while we're at it. Set up family movie night on some odd weekend where nothing is going on, and spend some time together laughing. This is another chance to bring a part of your childhood out to your kids with a classic flick they will likely not have seen before.
6. Read to them.
Remember when your parents would read to you every night? Those are some of my fondest memories from when I was kid. Taking 15 minutes to read a story with your kids is a great way to bond together over something you both love.
7. Family game night.
This is another thing that I am sure a lot of us had going on when we were kids. It might have happened once a month, or even once a week for some. Busting out a board game to sit around the table with your kids is great fun, and they really do enjoy it. Might we suggest something other than Monopoly as you don't want any hard feelings circling the table... you all know what we're talking about.
Do you have any other suggestions for fun ways to spend some more time with your kids? Let us know in the comments.