Give your children quality time for unforgettable moments together!

In today's fast-paced world, you may often feel like you don't have enough time to spend together. With work, household chores, and other responsibilities, quality time with your children often takes a back seat. Not because you're not motivated by the many experiences you have together, but because the days pass almost unnoticed without them if you don't plan them consciously. These shared moments are the foundation of a child's emotional security and the strength of family bonds. 

But do we really know what the often-mentioned "quality time" means, and how can we incorporate it into our everyday lives? In our article, we have brought you ideas and inspiration to help you!

What does quality time mean?

It is very important that quality time is not just about the quantity of minutes spent together, but rather about their content. Not just a selected joint program, but a wonderful experience of it while showing full, undivided attention and interest to the other party, being together, attuned to each other. This means mental, physical and emotional connection , when we keep thoughts and problems related to work, tasks away. 

The concept of quality time was created by Gary Chapman and included it among the 5 love languages ​​he formulated. 

Source: Psychologist Anita Balázs-Miklovicz

The power of shared experiences

Shared experiences are memories that children will cherish years later. Sometimes a mood or a scent can bring back an old memory. The moments in which we plant the seeds of love and care define our relationships and our children's values . They provide them with a sense of security in the family, which helps them develop their own inner security and stability .

Why is it so hard to make quality time together a reality?

• We are tired and stressed out due to work pressures, household chores and a hectic schedule.
• The online world distracts us from the real world
• We are less conscious about organizing our days and planning our experiences

It's hard to recharge when you have children. If you have the opportunity for regular me-time, it's easier to find the energy and get started organizing activities together. If possible, sometimes it's worth postponing or simplifying one task a little so that we can give both the children and ourselves the kind of intimate presence that quality time means.

It can also help to set a fixed time each day when you are with your children and family. This can quickly become a system, and before you know it, you are organizing your other tasks around the time together, so the priority of tasks changes. 

If you have more than one child, make sure that everyone gets individual attention from you. If you still can't make it to the planned joint program, don't feel guilty, because you can make up for it next time!

Simple moments matter too

You don't need to cram every day with activities. That's not the point. Simple, everyday moments can also be extremely valuable if they are meaningful. You can involve the children in preparing the ingredients while cooking, or they can help set the table, singing along. Let the atmosphere be cheerful! Reading a story together in the evening or playing a board game before bedtime is just as enjoyable as a weekend trip. The key is to experience these moments with the same full attention and joy.

When planning a program with children, try to choose one that is not only fun, but also provides an opportunity for conversation, shared learning, or to pique the child's interest.

Be creative!

If you want to always be prepared for quality time, we recommend making a list of common activities that are likely to be a hit with your family! We've got a few ideas for you, choose from them to your heart's content!

Playing together with a baby :

• Peek-a-boo helps develop object permanence
• While singing and reciting rhymes, the baby enjoys being rocked or clapped
• Baby massage, gymnastics, baby swimming?
• Playing while bathing?
• Reading stories and looking at storybooks can be pleasant on quiet evenings.
• Finding body parts is educational.

Playing together with older children :

• Get crafty! You can make any kind of creation together

• Make music, sing together!

Socialize! Today, there are several board games available that encourage cooperation rather than competition.

• Garden in the yard to get some exercise and for the children to learn new things about nature!
• The magic of an evening walk is that even the most withdrawn child starts to chatter. In more difficult life situations, for example, this relaxed program (if done alone with the child) can have a real soul-healing effect.
• Have you ever had a pajama party? 
• No matter what season it is, a walk in the forest is always an exciting adventure.
• If you want to stay home but would like a little "fuss", then cooking outside or having a picnic can be one of the most enjoyable activities to do with your children.
• Role-playing games are especially exciting for children when the adult can also take on a certain role and act out a story together.
• A small gathering is a real experience for children among friends and relatives.

Why is play important for children?

Play is not only fun for children, but also one of the most important ways they learn about the world. Age-appropriate toys help develop their social skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. It develops imagination and perception. 

But we need to highlight not only the cognitive aspects, but also the emotional and social aspects. If you would like to read about the role that dads play in their children's lives, and how playing with father develops a child's emotional regulation , then read our previous article too!

Play is a free, joyful activity that is often imitative . The imitation is initially involuntary, later becomes direct. In the right atmosphere and in a bonding relationship, the child also learns rules for the benefit of the other party. 

Let's be part of these games! Even a simple memory game, LEGO building, or role-playing (for example, imagine opening a store) can add a lot to the shared joy.

Source: Play Pedagogy

Time spent on yourself also counts.

When you are exhausted and stressed, it is difficult to give your child your full attention. You probably think less about spending quality time with them, simply because you need to boost your own energy. If you have the opportunity and manage to relax from time to time (preferably for short periods of time, but regularly), you will be better able to focus on the full attention that quality time means. When you are recharged, you will have a positive impact on the whole family, as you will be more energetic and happier. 

What’s really important is that these moments are truly about you. Shared experiences, creative activities, and honest conversations help strengthen family bonds . Children grow up quickly, and these years never come back. Take every opportunity to create happy memories for them – and for yourself.