Together Time
#ThursdayThought
By Christina, Wee Seeds Founder
Earlier this week Boy Child snuggled up and declared he was feeling a “little bit sad”. He wasn’t sure why, but after some gentle questioning turns out he’s “missing spending so much time with Mum and Dad”. Lockdown might have been hard for us in so many ways, but many parents I’ve spoken too report how their kids were (for the most part) enjoying seeing more of their families. The return to school has somewhat broken this connection and we’re definitely feeling it.
What about you? Are your children missing spending time with you? Has their behaviour changed in anyway at home? Are they more clingy or tearful?
So how do we maintain connections at home while reconnecting with the outside world? We’ve been giving it some thought, consulted some kids — and here’s our seven top tips on maintaining connections.
1. Play. Have a period in the day where you play with them. Take turns deciding what to do. It doesn’t matter if that’s ten minutes, half an hour, or an hour. Just make sure that it’s special Together Time. If they don’t want to play, maybe just sit down together and have tea and a biscuit! Use this time to have fun, or just to have a general chit-chat.
2. Put your phones away. No more “Uh, huh” or “Yup.” For the period you’re together, put your tech away, hide it in another room if you have to. Creating connections can’t be done when your attention is distracted by a phone, or a laptop.
3. Be mindful. Likewise, our attention can be directed elsewhere, even without a physical phone or tech around. We’re all busy, and there are a million things to do; work, dinner, writing that email, replying to WhatsApp. But for your Together Time, try to immerse yourself. One helpful way to do this is to use your breath to settle into your body, feel your weight on the chair or floor, be where you are right now. Focus. Believe that this is where you’re meant to be.
4. Welcome emotion. Times continue to be tough just now, so let your kids and you feel it all. It’s OK to be sad, worried, or angry. Helping them navigate through that with empathy and understanding will create connection and love.
5. Make eye contact. Create a sense of togetherness through simply making eye contact with your child while you are talking; it’s such a powerful thing to be listened to completely.
6. Hug. Taking the time to give each other a cuddle during these touch deprived times matters so much. Make some space in your day to hug!
7. Eat together. If you can, eat as often as you can together, giving you space to talk about your day, and be together. You could take some time to fill your Gratitude Jar or play the One Thing That Made You….happy, sad, excited game.
Enjoy your Together Time this week.
❤ Love, Christina & the Wee Seeds Team
