Dating your kids: How we use one-on-one time to stay connected to our {five!} kids

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I don’t feel like I have a big family. I find myself answering the question, ‘how many children do you have?’ with “just 5.” I suppose I am surrounded by lots of much larger families so I feel average. I completely understand, though, if you have one or two that five seems like a lot. It is a bit of a juggling act and spending time with each little one is sometimes a challenge. During our 4th trimester of transition, one on one time with mommy and daddy looks a lot like tagging along to the grocery store.

Our baby is now 5 months old, and we are beginning to get into a new rhythm as a family. Special time alone will certainly need to be organized and planned. Here are some tips I am using that might help you no matter how big your family is.

I identified three qualities of each kid. For example, one of my daughters is artistic, athletic and has a sweet tooth. I am setting aside extra time to do a little something in each area to think out three dates over the next months.

Her artistry is something I really delight in. We will be going to paint pottery together. I love giving her something blank and picking her brain as to why she is choosing what she is to decorate. I like the typically quiet settings in these places that will give us a chance to talk. I sometimes ask them things like, “when it is quiet at night, what do you think about? Or “what one thing do you want to do this year?”

This little one is daring. Like crazy daring. She also loves problem solving. I have been keeping my eyes peeled for discount coupons for rock climbing. Not all moments need to be heart to hearts. She just wants my undivided attention. She doesn’t want to have to call for me to watch her do something cool. I’ll be right there watching, cheering and standing in awe of the amazing kid I’ve been given.

When my first two came home, they hated most sweets. I know. Insane. Maybe an occasional lollypop or some plain ice cream. Nothing fancy. Then God sent me a little hot fudge, brownie sundae, lick the bowl kinda girl. Our first night together in the U.S., she was 3 and spoke absolutely no English. She pointed to a dessert picture and in her native tongue asked if we could get it. Bold, cute and a chocoholic? Super adorable. We’ll hit up the Sugar Bowl and split a sundae together for a date.

Time alone is imperative with our kids, especially if you have quiet kids like I do. They need space and time to share their hearts. Some of the most precious times have been on dates, and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.

What are your favorite ways to spend one on one time with your kids?

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