Date nights. Date nights with your spouse. Date nights with your girlfriends. Date nights with your kids? Yep. Absolutely.
Over the years, I have come to realize my boys need my undivided, specific attention just as much as my husband and friends do. Its hard to think of them needing this kind of time when you think of how much other stuff you do together, but its true. They need it. Its hard when there are siblings and schedules and life. You get sucked into such a whirlwind of "to-do's" that its easy to forget.
However, I think every parent (both moms and dads) should find the time, occasionally, to take each of their children out for a "date". There are mounds of things you can do and I've discovered my boys really don't care. They are so excited to be able to spend time with me, that they could care less what it involves. They just want that attention and love and its nice to be able to focus solely on them and reinforce that relationship.
I have taken my kids to the park, gone for bike rides, went to the movie, went to dinner, gone out for ice cream cones, walks, showed up for "hot lunch" at school, even did a little shopping . . . just for fun. I have found it heightens their spirits and just generally makes their day extra special.
So, if you ever have an extra couple hours, or even just a half an hour, give it to your kids. Make it a "date" you'll both remember. The benefits of doing so will last them, and you, a lifetime.
0 comments:
Post a Comment