Scheduled play time?

[AnyDream]

I was at a Triple P positive parenting seminar the other day, and they said it's quality not quantity of your attention that counts. They emphasised it's far more important to pay attention and respond to your child many times throughout the day - usually only for a few minutes each time - than it is to have a big lump of time together. That having been said, if you have the time to spend on more structured activities and its' something you will both enjoy doing together, then that's a bonus really.

Quite often this time happens organically, like when you chat to them while they are in bath, or if you have little rituals like story time before bed. I think weekly rituals are really important too, like every Wednesday we go to the park or every Sunday we go and do a family outing together. Not always possible but nice when you can!!!

[Liz]

it's quality not quantity of your attention that counts. They emphasised it's far more important to pay attention and respond to your child many times throughout the day - usually only for a few minutes each time - than it is to have a big lump of time together.

LOL - exactly the same thought.. yet I've heard that described more as quantity time, not quality time. Geez they like to confuse us don't they?! Perhaps it's a difference in the definition of "quantity".

ETA: eg. you're better off being there for them all day on Saturday, and interacting with them throughout that whole day, and they know you're there when they need you (quantity time = all day) than to say "i'll spend quality time with the kids between 11 & 12 on Saturday".

[rachael24]

I agree with the quality aspect...I wouldnt really say have a set time, but when you do spend time, make it count!

[christy]

I've done both... what I mean is, when my children have been babies & not interested in independant play I have always set times aside, like after morning tea to do something with them, be it music, singing, etc at a younger age. Then I often will play if they want too later as well.

I found when Matilda was little that I didn't feel like I did much with her, just that my day was keeping everything together & not enjoying her. TBH she was pretty full on, so there wasn't much time, but thats when I implemented a "play with mummy" time. Now when we are home, the girls know that after a snack, I'm all theirs. We do crafts, play house etc, read books, whatever they want to do or seem interested in. A lot of cooking happens at that time as well, my cooking, and theirs....

But things generally that they won't play on their own as well. It keeps them going, because then I can get up & prepare lunch & then clean if it really needs it (and only if I have to make a path to the door of their bedroom ).