Benefits of habit “Spend time with your children”

✓ Strengthens family bonds.
✓ Helps children with self-esteem issues.
✓ Develops positive behavior.
✓ Establishes trust between parents and children.
✓ Creates happy family memories.

First step:

Extra 10 minutes per day

Progress:

1. Start by spending 10 minutes just playing a game or doing other chosen activity with your kids. Repeat this for a weak.
2. Next week, increase it to 20 minutes per day.
3. Keep increasing as you see fit in your and your children’s schedule.

Helpful tips to make it a habit:

✓ Same time goal. Every habit needs routine, so having family activities on the same time every day can help make it a family tradition and a habit. Try implementing this time after school and work.
✓ Set up triggers. If you have chosen an activity, put all the gear it needs somewhere in a very visible location so you and your children would know to use it every day.
✓ Let the app help. You can use the reminder feature in this app to let you know it’s family time.
✓ Reward yourself and your children. For all of you improving your family time, go out and get a pizza or another snack, go to amusement park or other attractions. You’re a family and you’re doing great.

Tips for beginners:

✓ It can be difficult as a parent (especially if you have more than one job) to juggle work, leisure, chores and everything else in your life AND spend meaningful time with your children. Most often you’re just happy they’re fed by the end of the day and fall asleep fast. Remember: you’re not alone and you ARE trying to do something about it.
✓ Choose an activity. It’s important to choose an activity that is engaging for both you and your children. If they are old enough, perhaps a card game or other mentally stimulating exercise can be beneficial. If your children are small, opt for a bedtime story or even a game your children enjoy already, like hide and seek.
✓ Don’t give up. Your children have to get used to you spending time with them just as well. If this was a problem before and they are reluctant, don’t be discouraged. Keep working at it and make this into habit for them as well.