• Published by Salsabilatuzzahra Jaha S.Psi. from BehaviorPALS Center 

At this time, not a few parents work. Not only fathers, but mothers are also currently working a lot. Both of them are busy trying to get a good life for their family. This often makes parents worried that their children will experience developmental delays because they do not spend much time with their parents. Some parents also feel guilty about working full-time or experiencing anxiety when they are outside the home. Sometimes anxiety also arises when seeing other friends or family posting their activities with children at home. However, do not worry and despair! because we can actually try and adjust our conditions to spend time with children. 

A recent study from the Journal of Marriage and Family (Journal of Marriage and Family) questions the impact of the amount of time a mother spends with her child on academic achievement, behavior, and emotional well-being. It turns out that this is not a matter of how much time we spend (quantity) but how to use that time to the fullest (quality). Parents and children who spend time well (quality) will have a positive effect on them. 

As parents and caregivers, we can make more quality time with children, here are some tips, especially for parents who work together: 

1. Stay connected with children. 

We can schedule every day to always connect with children. It can be face-to-face, or if it is not possible, it can also leave a note or message to the child. It can be simple messages or words of encouragement for children. The most important thing is to make sure that we are always connected to our children.

2. Create special family activities/rituals. 

Create a special ritual or something that each family member must do in a day. For example, chatting before bed. Or the agenda of watching tv together and the child can choose what movie he wants to watch with his parents.

3. Express your ove.

Tell your child how much you love him every day. And also tell the child how important and valuable he is to his parents.

4. Give appreciation when the child shows positive behavior. 

Reinforce positive behavior. For example, if your child finishes his work without you asking, give him praise or positive words. Even if you don't have the opportunity today, you can say it tomorrow.

5. Eat with family. 

Try to be able to eat together with children whenever possible. However. If you or your child has limited time, try using simple dishes that take less time to prepare. You can also snack together while chatting with the children.

6. Clear your schedule!

Schedule a time when your child has asked you to attend or promised you that you should be there. For example, when there is a receipt of report cards, or during parents' day at school. Make sure to follow the activity and complete the activity without any distractions. 

7. Play with children

Stay with your child's playmate by playing with them. Even when bathing the child or outside before you drop the child off at school. Children also love humor so make humor and laugh with children. A little time will have a positive impact.

8. No gadgets!

To make our time with children quality, make sure there are no distractions. Often parents are still busy with their gadgets. Try to turn off all technology or gadgets when you are with children. Like TV, cellphone, social media, or others.

The main point in spending time with children is how the quality of our togetherness with children in spending time. It would be useless if we have a lot of time but it is not used sensibly. So for parents who both work, don't worry because there is little time. But in this way, you should try to make the best use of your time. This will have a positive impact, especially on the family. 

By Salsabilatuzzaha Jaha  S.Psi from BehaviorPALS Center

Source:  

Alvarado, J. (2022, 10 29). Articles for Families on Behavior and Development. Retrieved from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC): https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/spending-quality-time-with-your-child

 Further references: 

Brown, SL, WD Manning, and JB Stykes. 2015. “Family Structure and Child Well-Being: Integrating Family Complexity.” Journal of Marriage and Family, 77(1), 177–90.

Quality time, family, working parents

Children 4 Years - 6 Years / 4 Tahun - 6 Tahun / Parenting / Pola Asuh / Family / Keluarga / Tips for Spending Time with Children for Working Parents!

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