Good Day Everyone

Welcome back! We have jumped straight back into term 2.

In the chaplain’s office over the last term the topic of parent and kids’ relationships came up a fair bit. Sadly, the lack of quality family time is affecting the moods and behaviour of our children without us even realising. Comments from students like, ‘I never talk to my mum/Dad’, ‘they are always on their phones’, or ‘they never listen to me or care what I do’, are some of the feelings that has been expressed by students. Times are busy and technology is more prominent as entertainment, so parents do have a lot to juggle between kids, work and life in general, but taking small steps to spending time together can make a huge difference to our children.

Quality time is crucial for the development and well-being of our children, it fosters stronger bonds, and positive behaviour patterns and makes them less prone to risky behaviours. It helps our children feel valued and boosts self-esteem and reduces stress levels for both parents and children.

Some Tips for spending quality time:

• Daily check-in: Make time for a daily conversation to hear about their day and build a sense of connection. 
• Special rituals: Create a daily ritual, like a bedtime story or a shared meal, to make it a regular part of your lives. 
• Low-tech activities: Turn off the screens and engage in activities like playing games, reading, or crafting. 
• Active play: Get involved in physical activities like playing tag, going for a walk, or exercising together. 
• Shared meals: Eating meals together is a great way to connect and talk. 
• Let your children choose: Allow them to choose what they want to do, like choosing a movie or a game to play or having one on one time with each child doing what they love.
• Celebrate achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate their accomplishments to show you care and are proud of them.  

Also check out the great parent resources below:

Take Care