When you’re tangled up in a divorce, it’s hard to find enough time in the day. You have to maintain your regular obligations, such as work and everyday life, while juggling the duties of a single parent and squeezing in appointments and phone calls with your San Bernardino divorce attorney.
Your lawyer will help you create a child custody agreement that works for your whole family, but making sure that the time you spend with your kids is qualitytime is tough.
Quantity versus Quality
Even if your custody agreement doesn’t give you much time with your children, it’s how you spend that time that’s most important to them. Kids want to know that no matter what happens, you’re still focused on them and that you’ll always be there for them.
Setting aside special times for your children is not just important. It’s essential for them to grow up as healthy, productive and successful adults.
How to Spend Quality Time with Your Kids
First, turn off your phone. Uninterrupted time with children shows them that they come first whenever possible, and that’s incredibly reassuring – no matter how old they are. During quality time, ask questions and stay engaged; everyone wants to know that someone cares about how their day went, what they did at school, or what their latest interests are.
Try starting new traditions that will make your kids feel special. Many parents designate a family taco night, for example, when everyone shares time in the kitchen (from age-appropriate cooking tasks to clean-up). Other single parents set aside a game night or movie night. The point is picking a certain time to do something—just you and the kids—so that they have something to look forward to and to lean on as something that’s definitely going to happen.
You don’t have to go all-out to have quality time with your kids. Even simple things, such as morning walks or family dinners, can be incredibly significant for your relationships.