tcha
09/28/09, 04:08 PM
Post a family calendar where everything's written down, from soccer practice to birthday parties to work events. It will help you organize time and figure out when you can spend some together--and even when you can't, just knowing where you are will help your child feel connected to you.
Catch your child doing something right. We spend a lot of time criticizing our children for messy rooms, being late, and other negative things. Five minutes spent telling a child she did a great job brushing the dog or helping her little brother get dressed goes a long way.
Take advantage of "routine" time together, like while you're driving your child to school or soccer practice. Don't just zone out and think about other things -- ask your child about a new movie he saw or a book she’s reading for school. Mention a problem you had at work and how you dealt with it -- a good way to start a discussion about problem-solving skills. Engage your children by asking their opinion about an issue or a news headline.
Think of fun, creative new activities to do together. Grab your local newspaper's community section and see what's going on: a show at a planetarium, a minor league baseball game, a new exhibit at an art museum.
Schedule time together just like you schedule a meeting. It may seem strange to pencil a game of catch with your son on your calendar, but if you're always overcommitted, it may be the only way to make sure something else doesn't derail your plans.
John M Goldenring, MD, JD, MPH (http://www.webmd.com/john-m-goldenring) :music-smiley-7524:
Catch your child doing something right. We spend a lot of time criticizing our children for messy rooms, being late, and other negative things. Five minutes spent telling a child she did a great job brushing the dog or helping her little brother get dressed goes a long way.
Take advantage of "routine" time together, like while you're driving your child to school or soccer practice. Don't just zone out and think about other things -- ask your child about a new movie he saw or a book she’s reading for school. Mention a problem you had at work and how you dealt with it -- a good way to start a discussion about problem-solving skills. Engage your children by asking their opinion about an issue or a news headline.
Think of fun, creative new activities to do together. Grab your local newspaper's community section and see what's going on: a show at a planetarium, a minor league baseball game, a new exhibit at an art museum.
Schedule time together just like you schedule a meeting. It may seem strange to pencil a game of catch with your son on your calendar, but if you're always overcommitted, it may be the only way to make sure something else doesn't derail your plans.
John M Goldenring, MD, JD, MPH (http://www.webmd.com/john-m-goldenring) :music-smiley-7524: