There are a great many things that children need from their parents. They need food, shelter, and clothing. They need education and training in a variety of fields. They need love and affection. However, there is one thing that you can give your children that will encompass many of the needs that I mentioned …and that is time.
Children Need Specific Time and Attention
Over the years, it has been and always will be said, from generation to generation, that children ‘act out’ for attention. This could not be more true. If you watch children, you can see how much they want and need attention. Some act out in playful ways, some in negative ways, but it’s always for the same reason …they need someone to pay attention to them.
When a child regularly receives the kind of attention that they need and deserve, you can see a difference in them. They tend to have a higher self-esteem than those who do not receive that attention. They tend to feel more confident in themselves and empowered to do the kinds of things that they need to be doing.
All Children are Different, but their Needs are the Same
Time can be offered in a variety of ways and it really is different for each child. I’ll give examples from my own life. My oldest son, Christian, was always a very affectionate child and always needed love and affectionate in abundance; hugs around the clock.
My daughter, Paxton, a very independent child, more than anything, has always needed to know everything. Her need is to be involved in everything. She wants me to tell her everything that is going on and she wants me to listen to her as she tells me about her day…even if I don’t understand anything she is talking about (she’s an auto services student).
Logan, my 10 year old, and Mason, my 7 year old, need ‘play time’. It sounds easy enough, but play time encompasses a wide variety of things that can be quite time-consuming. Sometimes, it gets a little bit in the way of things that I have to do, but it is so worth it to see the smiles that come over my childrens’ faces when I put my work down and grab the Captain America toy.
Another kind of time to give to your children is that which brings them into what you do. We do what we can to let the boys ‘work’ with us when they want to. Not only does it teach them a great deal but it also shows them that they are important to us. One of my favorites is watching my husband give them his time. He teaches them so much and it makes them feel so loved and like they matter in his world.
Give Them Your Time, Before It’s Too Late
Remember that, in the big picture, the time that we have with our children is short. It won’t be long until they are older and they won’t want to play board games with us, watch cartoons with us or cook with us, or anything.
When that time has passed, it is gone for good. You can’t get that back and neither can they. That time that we offer our children, is one of the most important things that they can receive from us. It literally helps to shape who they are and how their lives turn out.
As a mom, parent to parent, I urge and encourage every parent to do everything in your ability to take some time out, on a regular basis, to show your children how very important they are in your lives. And I’d love to hear some of the ways that other parents carve out time for their kids and what you do! Let me hear from you!
Don’t Miss Out On More Great Content
Guys, don’t miss out on some of the other, really great related articles concerning parenting and be sure to check out Two Oaks Farmstead YouTube Channel for lots of great content!
MORE WAYS TO CONNECT
We also, as a homesteading family, have three additional blogs that might interest you.Two Oaks Farm Talkconcerns the more technical side of homesteading. We discuss subjects like gardening, food prep, and farm building and construction with lots of tutorials!
Farm Raised Familyis basically a hub for everything under the Two Oaks Farmstead umbrella. You can learn a great deal about all parts of the farmstead there. TheFarm Raised Family blogfocuses on financial matters such as budgeting, saving, and more and on current events affecting families.
You can also have a more in depth look at all that we do by visiting ourTwo Oaks Farmstead YouTube Channeland be sure to subscribe so that you don’t miss a thing!
Farm Life and Freedomis the new podcast we are in the process of launching! It is going to be so much fun!
Two Oaks Farmsteadis the farm store… the one that holds the umbrella! Check us all out and join us, not only on our blogs andFarm Life and Freedom podcastbut come join the fun on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter… wherever you get social!
