If you’ve ever read a parenting book, you’ve probably read that spending quality time with your child is the way to make sure they grow up healthy and well adjusted. While this is basically true, there are other problems. Sometimes this quality time will consist of going to the movies or eating out and that only takes a short period of time. There are some parenting tips you can use that will show you how to make both quality and quantity of time work for you and your children.

Spending quality time is often the primary focus for single and divorced parents who only see their children in a limited way. They tend to try to make up for not being there all the time by doing fun things like going to Disneyland. However, when asked about more personal matters, such as how their child is doing in school, they are not fully aware on that front. Keep in mind that when you feel guilty about the inability to do something for or with your child and then try to make up for it through some type of compensatory action, it can end in unwanted results.

When a parent tries to overcompensate for their feelings of guilt, they tend to act more like a friend than one. When this happens, it can actually have a detrimental effect on the child’s behavior. Tips for parents note that this happens because the child sometimes models himself as the parent who is exhibiting this behavior, causing him to feel like a victim.

Because life is so full of worries, activities, and rush, many parenting resources emphasize the importance of being able to spend that quality time with our children. However, this can also stem from the guilt that parents have because they often push children to the back of their minds. This translates to “yes, I will spend time with my child after I finish this project or homework,” etc., which makes children part of a “to-do” list more than anything else.

While it’s okay to take your kids to the movies, dinner, or even Disney World, it’s not a substitute for the proper parenting that is necessary for healthy child development. Many of the parenting tips point out that while fun activities are good, you should also be there for your child at all times, including any difficult times he may go through. Try to be more available to them even in hectic times.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *