Have you ever spent time alone with your “quiet” kid and realized he has a lot to say? Kids love alone time with Mom because they don’t have to compete with siblings for attention or room to speak. It’s hard to squeeze in one-on-one time with kids when you’re managing multiple schedules, meals, work, and all the other things busy moms do.
But over the years, I’ve picked up a few ideas to easily incorporate special time with each child. This time has been valuable, not only because they get my full attention but also because they get to do something that speaks to their interest or age level. So try one of these 4 fun ways to have one-on-one time with your kids. It might just become one of their favorite memories.
1. Let them stay up late.
Every month, on the date of each of my kids’ birthdays, I let that particular child stay up an hour later than my other two kids. During that hour of one-on-one time, my kiddo gets to pick out what he or she would like to do. My oldest son loves to have drawing contests. My middle son enjoys playing board games, and my baby girl likes to read stories and play princesses. It’s an easy way to spend some great time with each of my kids, and it’s only a three-hour investment each month. But I’m pretty sure the impact is priceless for them and me.
2. Get outside.
If possible, I enjoy grabbing one of my kids and heading outdoors. We usually take a stroll around our neighborhood, but sometimes we’re able to plan something a little more exciting—going for a hike or bike ride is an extra special treat. There’s something about being outside that encourages deeper conversation with my kids. For some reason, they seem more open to sharing what’s on their hearts during these times.
There’s something about being outside that encourages deeper conversation with kids. Click To Tweet3. Wake up early.
My middle child has been begging me to wake him up early so he can run with me. I haven’t done it yet because my workout time is my me-time. But occasionally letting him come would be good for us both. He’s asking to join me, and one of these days, he’ll stop asking. So why not wake up one of your kiddos a little earlier than the rest and spend some special one-on-one time in the early morning? Maybe a hot chocolate date on the back deck? Or just some extra cuddles and a story on the couch.
4. Run errands together.
This option isn’t as exciting, but if I ever have the ability to take just one child with me to run errands, I take advantage of it. Every kid loves to feel valued for his or her hard work, so why not let one of your children show it by helping you get some of your own tasks done? Use your time with your child to talk about things he or she is interested in, and let him or her help you make choices for food or other things you’re buying.
These are just a few ways to easily incorporate one-on-one time with your kids. Of course, you can dream bigger and plan a full-day with your child, but that can be hard to pull off. So when you feel like one of your kids needs some extra face time, choose one of these ideas and spend some quality time with your kiddo.
Try our free printable Mom Time Coupons to let your kids cash in on special time with you!
What other ideas do you have for easy one-on-one time with your child?
