Summer is almost over and for us working parents it’s been a nice break from the hustle and bustle of school drop off/pick up, homework, and early bed times. I ask myself how I am able to fit in so much during the school year. I often feel like the days just slip away and so does my time with my child. How can you stay connected during the school year?

#1 Disconnect from anything that distracts you and keeps you from paying attention to your child.

Be cognizant of the time you are wasting and do your best to disengage and be present. Don’t confuse quantity of time with quality of time. Try to set aside time each day to ask your child questions about how their day went, who their new best friend is and to figure out if they are having any challenges. Often times we don’t know what’s going on with our children because we are not asking the right questions.

#2 Have fun with your child.

I have missed many opportunities to enjoy precious time with my child because of the inability to get out of my busy routine. Carve out some time for fun. Take a break from the normal routine and do something you enjoy together whether it’s playing a game, watching a movie or baking some brownies. Make it a point to do at least one fun thing on the weekend to break up the monotony.

#3 Create new memories.

Every year I like to take a trip with my daughter. It is an awesome opportunity for us to experience something new together and bond. This has become a tradition that we look forward to all year and have found that the actual planning and anticipation leading up to it is just as fun as the trip itself. If a trip is not in the budget perhaps creating a bucket list of things you and your family would like to do throughout the year and crossing them off the would be helpful. Your child will appreciate you making them a priority and being intentional about spending time with them.

#4 Physical touch.

Children need love and affection and the best way to demonstrate this is through hugs, kisses and words of affirmation. Make it a priority to love on your child every day and let them know how much they mean to you. This will build their confidence and help them to feel secure and accepted.

Parents, our most important job is to raise our children to be healthy and successful in an ever changing and challenging world. Staying connected to your child will help you to know them and easily assess their needs as they come up. It is so easy to be distracted by the pressures of life but there is a great reward that comes from winning at parenting. Stay engaged, be intentional and you will succeed.

 If you are looking for more guidance after implementing the tips above then call Life Counseling Solutions at (407) 622- 1770 to schedule an appointment with our expert therapists.

Author: Veronica Concepcion