Time shared together is key to building a relationship with your child. With the right activities, you can support and strengthen your bond.
Many parents understand quality time as regular activities that help develop their children intellectually and socially and provide emotional stability. Quality time isn’t necessarily measured by the number of hours, but by the extent to which the child receives your full attention. Parents who regularly communicate, play, and share interests with their children can help prevent future mental health issues.
A positive impact on the whole family
It’s not only children who benefit from well-spent family time. Parents themselves gain a sense of emotional fulfillment and calm. Spending time together helps parents manage stress better and understand their children’s needs more clearly.
Even a few minutes of daily shared reading or play are far more valuable than hours spent without interest or engagement. Families that make time together a priority have stronger relationships, and their children cope better with various challenges.
Choosing the right activities for your child’s age
Toddlers have different needs than school‑age children, and parents should adapt shared activities accordingly. For toddlers, sensory activities are ideal. Choose color games, simple puzzles, or movement outdoors. Look for activities that engage many senses—touch, sight, hearing.
Children aged 3–6 need different activities. Great options include drawing, simple building sets, playground games, and various kinds of crafts (modeling, ceramics, or cutting and gluing).
Older children need challenges and meaningful tasks. Board games, sports, trips together, and educational activities work wonderfully.
What to do at home?
You can make homemade playdough, do puzzles, build block castles, or craft simple toys from paper or cardboard. Home activities don’t have to be expensive—using ingredients you already have, you can easily make slime or DIY kinetic sand. Don’t underestimate cooking or tidying up together either.
Outdoor games and time in nature
Outdoor activities are great not only for movement but also for health and boosting immunity. Explore local parks and marked hiking trails, play ball games, or collect souvenirs from your walk. You can get a few toys to use outside—for example, a frisbee, a ball, or a bicycle.
Technology as part of time together
Modern technology is part of today’s world. Use educational apps and quality video games that build children’s skills and are safe. As a parent, you can try playing games together—how about racing games, The Sims, or Minecraft? Avoid games that contain violence and sexual content.
Common mistakes parents make when spending time together
Too many strictly organized activities, or a parent’s disinterest or inattention, can be harmful. Be attentive, patient, and listen to your children. Regular small activities are great. Shared time also includes meals together, outings, bedtime reading, or weekend games.
Don’t wait—start today. Choose a suitable activity and try something new together. Take the first step now!