Time Well Spent: A Kid Date

Do you have a serious drama-tween who you text more than talk to, a quiet middle child that gets lost in the shuffle, or a busy toddler who only stops long enough for diaper changes?  Maybe you have all three?  Are you wishing you could have more quality time with the kids but get overwhelmed with the struggle to keep the family harmony by finding things to do that please everyone?

Sounds like it’s time for a “Kid Date”.  Nope, not a play date with other kids, or a family date night (which are all fun as well of course); I’m talking about scheduling a special date with each of your children.   An evening visit to your local coffee shop, a walk in the park, or a jaunt to the playground.  Whatever you think would appeal to them. 

Sure you may do lots as a family, or get some one-on-one time in the car on the way to hockey practice or during homework – but actually planning a special date just for you and your child will bring a whole new meaning to quality time. Letting each kid help plan their date with you, makes it all the more special. 

We don’t do it often but every time we do, it reminds us of just how important that alone time can be, for us and for our kids.  We have 2 daughters that are 2 years apart and so very different.  In fact, it was only just a few days ago when our 3 year old asked me when her next “mommy/daddy date” would be.  She’s already coming up with ideas of what we would do. 

Our last one was on a Sunday afternoon and we had a sitter come hang with our 5 year old, while we took our 3 year old on her date – the playground, a smoothie and the store for some stickers (all her ideas).  Then we brought her home to the sitter and took our 5 year old out for her date – lunch, the candy store and a trip to Woozles (her choices, of course).

It always so nice to spend some quality time with each of our children on their own, but even more importantly we realize how excited and proud each child is to have us all to themselves for a bit.  I am especially excited about the tradition we’re building…cause something tells me, when I blink and they become drama-tweens who would rather spend time at the mall with their friends, we’ll cherish our dates with them even more!