For the past several years, my partner and I have made it a priority to schedule individual time with our three children. Each month, one of us takes a few hours on the weekend to spend exclusively with one child, and then we alternate. With three kids, this means we get three weekends a month, while the fourth is reserved for our own date night.
The best part? The child gets to choose the activity. Before the pandemic, we enjoyed outings like ice skating, swimming, or catching a movie together. However, since the lockdowns, this one-on-one time has become even more significant to our family.
While our options for activities have become more limited, it’s the quality time spent together that truly matters. Recently, I took my 11-year-old daughter, Lily, to pick up some food, and she suggested watching the movie “High School Zombies” on Disney Plus. As we drove, we listened to the soundtrack, and I was surprised when she sang along, claiming she had never seen the film before. When I asked her why she knew the songs, she replied, “I’ve been saving it.” I found out she had been looking forward to watching it with me, and her excitement was palpable. It was the first time in months I saw her so thrilled about something.
In another instance, I took my 13-year-old son, Jake, out for a Pokémon hunt. After a quick stop at a local diner for some food, we drove around town, with him directing me to various spots in search of rare Pokémon. While we were technically on a mission, what truly mattered was the conversation we had during the drive. We talked about missing his friends, the struggles of remote learning, and his worries about not being able to play soccer soon. It was a moment of connection that I doubt would have happened if anyone else had been in the car.
In this challenging time, our family is all we have. We work and learn from home, and my kids need someone to confide in. Taking time to be present with each child has allowed them to express themselves and provided them with something positive to look forward to. Just a couple of hours on the weekends can make a world of difference in their lives.
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In summary, scheduling dedicated time with your children is not just a nice idea; it’s a vital investment in their emotional well-being during tough times. These moments of connection help foster open communication and create lasting memories.