As Christian homeschool families, we understand the importance of building strong relationships with our children. Spending one-on-one time with them is crucial in cultivating healthy connections that will last a lifetime. However, with busy schedules and other responsibilities, it can be challenging to find the time and know how to maximize the moments we have. Here’s a helpful list of five ways that parents can spend one-on-one time with their children and build relationships with them.
Devotional time
One of the best ways to connect with our children is by spending time in God’s Word together. Devotional time provides an opportunity for parents to share their faith, teach important life lessons and create a safe space for children to share their thoughts and feelings. The beauty of devotional time is that it can be done at any time of the day and doesn’t have to take a lot of time. Parents can choose to read a Bible passage, discuss it with their child, and pray together before starting the day. Alternatively, they could have a short Bible study before bedtime, sharing the highlights of the day and thanking God for His blessings.
Nature walks
Nature walks are a fantastic way to unplug from our devices and connect with our children in a natural setting. Whether it’s a local park or a nature reserve, walking together provides an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation, get some fresh air, and exercise. It’s a chance to slow down, engage in meaningful conversations, and create new memories. Additionally, nature walks can also serve as an educational opportunity, teaching children about the importance of stewardship and caring for the world God has given us to live on.
Cooking together
Cooking with our children is a great way to bond over a shared activity while teaching valuable life skills. Children of all ages can participate in the cooking process, from measuring ingredients to stirring the pot. The kitchen is a great place to talk about food choices, nutrition, and meal planning. Additionally, cooking together can also be a fun and creative activity that allows children to express themselves and explore their culinary skills.
Arts and crafts
Arts and crafts are an excellent way to encourage creativity and self-expression while spending quality time with our children. Whether it’s painting, drawing, scrapbooking, or knitting, the possibilities are endless. Engaging in arts and crafts can help children develop fine motor skills, increase their confidence, and provide an opportunity to discuss their feelings and emotions. Additionally, it’s a great way to create handmade gifts for friends and family members.
Game nights
Game nights are a classic way to bond with our children while having fun. Whether it’s a board game, card game, or trivia game, it’s an opportunity to spend quality time together, engage in friendly competition, and create lasting memories. Game nights can also teach important life skills such as sportsmanship, teamwork, and critical thinking. It’s a chance to put aside our responsibilities and just enjoy each other’s company.
Spending one-on-one time with our children is an essential part of building strong relationships. As Christian homeschool families, we have the opportunity to create a safe and nurturing environment where our children can grow in faith, character, and self-worth. Whether it’s through devotional time, nature walks, cooking together, arts and crafts, or game nights, we can find creative and meaningful ways to connect with our children. It’s not about the quantity of time, but the quality of time spent together. Let’s take some time today to make the most of the moments we have and invest in our children’s lives!
All for our King’s glory,
Christian
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