Finding time to connect with your kids isn’t always easy, but experts say it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few ways parents can spend time with their kids while supporting their social and emotional development.
Have a Daily Check-In
Start with a simple check-in after school or during the ride home. Ask open-ended questions about their day to get the conversation going.
The goal is not to make it feel like questioning, but to create a routine around talking. Sharing a few details from your own day can also help keep the conversation natural.
Use Special Rituals Like Bath Time and Bedtime
Bath time and bedtime give parents of younger kids a chance to slow down and connect. Parents can sing songs, tell stories, or turn small routines like brushing teeth into something more engaging. Over time, these moments can become lasting memories.
Let Your Kids Choose
Let your child decide how to spend time together. Whether it’s coloring, playing a game, or going for a walk, giving them that choice can make the time feel more meaningful.
It also helps build confidence and decision-making skills, while giving you insight into their interests.
Keep It Low Tech
Set devices aside and focus on being present. Even short periods without screens can make a difference. Choose activities that encourage interaction and connection without distractions.
Offer a Yes Day
“Research has found—as far as what leads to happiness in people and not just children—that saying ‘yes’ gives a sense of control in one’s environment, and children often don’t have a sense of control,” says Kamala London, PhD, a developmental psychology professor at the University of Toledo in Ohio, in an interview with Parents.com.
A “yes day” allows kids to take the lead, within reason. It may feel unpredictable, but it can also open the door to a different kind of shared experienc
