In the Bible days, there was ample opportunity for parents and kids to spend time together because of how their lifestyle was structured. Initially, the Israelites were a nomadic people and caring for duties together was common. In fact, God specifically told the Israelites to use every opportunity they had to teach their children the law of God. It was in these moments where they were able to spend quality time together with their children.
Nowadays, it takes more intentional effort to spend time with our children. Whatever we choose to do doesn’t have to take a lot of time to prepare. It doesn’t even have to take any money. Over the years, I’ve done different things to try to spend time with my kids, and a few of them I’ve learned from other parents. So here are 3 ways that you can spend time with your kid that’s hands on, practical, and doesn’t the break bank.
Hide and Seek
About once a week, my daughters look forward to playing a good ole game of high energy hide and seek with Dad. I get the privilege of witnessing the shenanigans, which usually ends up in tons of laughter and rapid heartbeats. The rules are pretty simple. They choose who will be “it” which is usually Dad at first. The girls hide, Dad counts, and the rush to find them begins. Our home is relatively small so finding good hiding places is always a welcome challenge for them. If you have a bigger home, you may want to establish boundaries. Once whoever is it finds the other person, the game goes for another round our so. Watching my husband play like this with my daughters is so satisfying to watch. It’s such a fun way to have Daddy and daughter time.
Singing while you Work
Here’s an idea I use with my kids. It’s a great way to have fun while doing something productive. When it’s time to do house work together, I like to involve my daughters. Sometimes I’m met with groans and complaining. But that can quickly change when I make a point that cleaning can be fun. One Friday, we planned to fold a large load of their clothes. At first there was a little complaining, but I decided that we needed to do some singing while we worked. I start singing and it was slow going at first. But by the eed of all of our sorting, folding, and putting away, we were in full singing mode. My 8 year old sang with all of her heart with as much exuberance an 8 year old can muster. Meanwhile, my 6 year old added variations, riffs, and embellishments to the songs adding a flare that only she could give. What started out as a mundane chore, ended up being a full-on concert! We had a great time enjoying being with each other while getting work done. Little by little we’re beginning to associate chores, with fun times with Mom.
Family Drawing Time
My friend shared this awesome idea that she does with her family. Every once in a while for fun, they watch a guided drawing instructor on Youtube. She recounts that these times are so much fun because each family member participates in drawing the same picture. During this time, they can joke around, encourage each other, and simply enjoy the process of doing a creative project together. At the end they can all compare their drawings and relish in the joy of having spent quality time together that required no prep and no money.
When I think of how much time God spent talking about how importance it is to raise children. I can only think of how much He wants to spend time with each of His children as well. I’m so glad we have a God that wants to be close and wants to be near us. The time that we spend with our children can remind us of the time that God wants to spend with us.
“Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my Voice and opens the door I will come in to him and dine with and hand he with me.” Revelation 3:20
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