Children spell love, T-I-M-E. So, give it to them!
Yes, we’re busy but two minutes of quality time goes a long way. Let me explain…
When I say “quality time,” I mean, not while you’re driving, cooking, answering an email, changing the baby, etc. Stop what you are doing and look in their eyes and really listen.
As a teacher, sometimes I can’t follow my own advice, but I will always respond with something like this, “I would love to hear more about that. Can you wait two minutes for me to finish what I’m doing?” Of course, then you need to make sure that you do make the time.
This is how you break the habit of “How was your day?” “Fine.”
Don’t ask unless you have time to follow up. “Fine? What was good about it?” “What happened at lunch, in Science, at the game, on your date…” Once you teach them to tell you, they will always want to!
Even as adults, aren’t you attracted to the person who is actively listening to your story?
So, are your children.
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