DAY 11: The Gift of time

In this day and age, where time is so precious and rare, its so difficult to find TIME. We often wish we had more time. With after school activities, things to do, housekeeping, jobs, new baby, 24 hours isn't enough. I seem to be running all the time. I didn't have 10 minutes these past few days to catch up on my posts. What have I been doing? A lot. How much of it was spending relaxed quality time with the kids? I am ashamed even to give you an answer. I read somewhere, children spell love T-I-M-E.

How can we spend time with them when we don't have time? Slowing down would be a great start for me. Having my to do list for just today and not all the things I want to get done is a good start too.

Here are some ideas:

• Spending one to one time with them is the best thing we can give our kids. Like I mentioned in an earlier post, date nights are great. but this needs a little bit of scheduling and planning.
• Reading aloud with the children for 15 minutes a day.
• Getting them involved in household chores. So, that doesn't mean you tell them what to do and leave them to it while I get something else done. If its emptying the dishwasher, do it together. If its cleaning the playroom, do it together. 
• Sit with your kids while they have breakfast. Maybe you do, and thats fantastic. I usually get the school bags and lunches ready, change and eat my breakfast running around. 
• A family devotion time is a great way to sit and talk with them, discuss the Bible passage you are reading. Hear from them what they think about it. You will be surprised on how much they will ask and talk during this time.
• Go for a short walk. 
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