Enjoyment of Spending Quality Time with My Kids

by Suzanne Langerman
(Johannesburg SA)

I love spending time with my 8 year old and my 5 year old. We go to the park and feed the ducks almost every weekend when the weather is nice. I take them to the beach as much as possible.

Most of the quality time we spend together is spent outdoors in nature. I am trying to instill in them a love of nature, and a desire to be active. We enjoy hiking on nature trails, visiting the zoo, swimming, and playing basketball together.

I live in an apartment, and share custody of my son and daughter with their dad. I often wish I had a yard for them to play in, but he does, so I know they get quality playtime outside when they are at his house. When the weather does not allow for fun time outside, we also have some indoor activities we enjoy.

They are both at the fun ages where they enjoy helping me in the kitchen, so we get together and make meals as a family. They especially like to help me make pancakes or macaroni and cheese on cold and wet days. We play card and board games, and my 8 year old helps me with my 5 year old's homework. I do not have a television in my home by choice. Instead, we watch family-friendly DVDs on the computer every once and a while.

I greatly prefer strong family interaction and communication with my children, instead of allowing them much time to watch television and “zone out”. I have received rave reviews from teachers about my children. I am told they are well-behaved, respectful, and both joys to have in class. They both have a lot of friends in school as well. I know this is in part to their happiness levels as well. Spending quality time with your children promotes confidence in your children. It supports that you love them, and makes them feel important.