It's About Time

[janbear]

Christmas may be four months away yet, but I'm sure your kids will tell you that it's never too soon to start thinking about gifts. So, what is the perfect gift for your kids? You won't find it at Wal-Mart. It's not offered at Toys"R"Us. In fact, you can't sell this gift even though it's a most precious commodity. Give up? The gift is time.

The value of time is something that even kids understand. So, think of the message you send your kids when you let them know that they are worth your time.

recieved in email

[flickchic]

The value of time is something that even kids understand. So, think of the message you send your kids when you let them know that they are worth your time.

Yes, even the smallest amounts of 'focused time' are so very important I have learnt. One of my biggest issues was 'not being heard'....I still occasionaly get triggered by this and therefore feel I truly understand the importance of 'giving children time'; when a child speaks to you even if in the middle of cooking, cleaning, try to 'give them your attention'.....not just a half hearted ear....they really do notice and feel the difference!!!.....I see this when occ I am flat chat and don't pause enough....I do let them know "that I am listening" as I know how important it is to be acknowledged. I have had feedback from the kids a lot of late also, how "dad doesn't stop when he's on the puter when we talk to him, he just grunts', 'at least you stop mum'....I tell them that I will always make an effort to stop for them, unless they are rudely interrupting a phone call, conversation with someone else etc., then I put my hand up to let them know to wait. If I am in the middle of reading something, posting etc then I ask them if they would mind waiting whilst I finish and then we can chat.....generally I find giving them that consideration even impacts well. Time giving on a larger scale; playing board games, watching a movie together, sitting to enjoy a meal even together, taking time to share their day at school and question different things they do all help them to know they are important and that they "count". Even if you are busy, having them help, be involved is still time sharing!!!! They are special and need to know this.