Give your kid all the time you can

10 February 2009 - 02:00
By unknown
Parents Looking at Daughter's Homework --- Image by © Reed Kaestner/Corbis
Parents Looking at Daughter's Homework --- Image by © Reed Kaestner/Corbis

When parents hear the term "parental involvement", they think of being involved in their child's education. School involvement is important, but parental involvement goes much further.

When parents hear the term "parental involvement", they think of being involved in their child's education. School involvement is important, but parental involvement goes much further.

Your time is the most important gift you can give your child. When you spend time with your child, talking, playing, or doing whatever you both enjoy, you help your child feel loved and accepted. You are also building a good relationship that will carry into adulthood.

Parental involvement means being genuinely involved in every part of your child's life. You must make time for your child daily. You should:

l Play Together - One of the best ways to spend time with your child is to play with her. Playing together is a good way to get to know your child. It also teaches her many important skills, such as taking turns, negotiating, following rules, fairness and communication.

l Eat Together - Eating together is a perfect way to spend time with your child. It gives you a chance to talk with each other. To make meal time talk enjoyable, start positive conversations.

l Invite your child's friends over to play - Most school-age children spend their free time playing with friends. This is important to their social development. Having your child's friends over lets you get to know them better.

l Support Your Child's Interest - Your school-age child is developing her own interests. These interests help your child expand her outlook and develop skills she will carry into adulthood.

l Have Regular Family Activities - This is a good way for a busy family to spend time together and stay connected. - University of Florida