Nurturing Tamariki with Quality Time
Quality time is widely recognised as being one of the top 5 love languages, and is essential for encouraging self-esteem, trust, resilience, and healthy emotional development in children. Below are just some of the lasting benefits of spending quality time with tamariki.
Quality time is money in your child’s emotional bank
When we are busy with multiple children, work, and other pressures of modern life, it can happen that we only give our children undivided attention at times when they are distressed. While this is important, it is equally important for them to trust that we have them in our hearts and minds always (Pruett, 2015). Feeling close to us is a big protective factor for our children, it is essential to the development of self-esteem, and it can mitigate the need for ‘attention seeking’ behaviours.
When children feel treasured by us, they learn to treasure themselves
Quality ‘time-with’ is one of the best ways of showing children that we treasure and appreciate them (Pruett, 2015). For children this is so important because we, the parent or carer, are a model for how they may treat themselves later in life. Give a child time, healthy boundaries, kindness, and unconditional love, and they will then have the opportunity to give themselves these gifts as adults.
Our children are more likely to invite us into their ‘teenage worlds’
According to Dr Chapman (2016) “you must get down on the child’s level if you eventually want to lead them into the adult world”. This is because a child who feels close, loved and respected is far more likely to invite you into their world as a teenager, rather than looking just toward their peers, at this important stage of development.
Children can teach us how to ‘chill’
Children are generally more present, mindful, and playful than adults. These are wonderful qualities to have at any stage of life, and three excellent reasons for spending more quality time with our children.
Children’s Day Family Fun Day
Parakai Kindergarten, Children’s Day 2021
On Sunday 5 March we are hosting our Children’s Day Family Fun Day event in Helensville. This free event celebrating our tamariki. We invite parents and whānau to come and enjoy time with their children.
References:
Chapman, G. (2016). The 5 Love Languages: The secret to love that lasts.. Northfield Publishing. Available at https://www.amazon.com/Love-Languages-Secret-that-Lasts/dp/080241270X
Pruett, K. D. (2015). The value of spending one-on-one time with your children. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/once-upon-child/201507/the-value-spending-one-one-time-your-children-0
