This week's blog will address creative ways to spend time with our children. Last month, my wife and I celebrated the birth of our second daughter. Children are indeed a blessing! Children also require large quantities of quality time. Our youngest demands the most time and while she's so young, she'll easily get it. To make sure I spend quality time with my oldest daughter, I've chosen some daily and weekly events that I must do in order make sure she knows that I love her. These simple strategies seem to work...and that's saying a lot because my first daughter is very demanding.
- I hug and kiss my daughter every morning when she storms into our room. This would seem obvious to most parents but it's not. You can't underestimate how important this is to your children, no matter how old they are.
- We pray together while I drive her to school. We ask God to keep our family safe, that we have a good day, and that we can help others. It's one of my daughters favorite things to do. If you're driving, please don't close your eyes and pray!
- I read her a story every night. We take turns reading each page. My daughter is an avid reader so this was an easy connection to make. Find something that interests your child and spend some time talking with them about it. If you have multiple children or teenagers, this may be more challenging. Keep in mind, whatever energy you exert at being successful at your job...you MUST exert MORE effort to being a successful parent. Make the same sacrifices for your family that you do for your job.
- Every weekend, my daughter and I bake something different from scratch. I don't like any baked goods out of the box. My daughter doesn't really care as long as it tastes good. This always gives us a few hours of uninterrupted time with each other and it's invaluable. Baking something different every week gives her the courage to taste new things because they are the results of her hard work.
BONUS TIP: I tell my daughter how much I love her every chance that I can. It's especially important to re-enforce this after she's done something wrong. It's not uncommon that I will only see my daughter in the morning and right before she's about to go to sleep. She needs to know that I love her, no matter what, while I'm away from her.
I encourage you try these simple ideas. However simple these ideas are, they are NOT always easy. Every parent's situation is different and I can only share what works for us. Adjust these strategies to fit what will work best in your home. The most important thing to remember is that you have to devote the energy it takes to be successful. You didn't become successful professional overnight so finding your Work/Life Balance will take some time.
To learn more about how Kennedi Taylor Concierges can help you, go to www.kenneditaylor.com.
3 comments:
Thanks for your insightful tips in the area of work/life balance, especially concerning the attention and well-being of your children.
It is said that..."if you want to find out a person's priorities in life, just look at how they spend their time."
As a TAB (peer advisory group for Presidents and CEO's) facilitator, one of the main challenges I hear is that of achieving a work/life balance.
I'd like to pass along your suggestions to other successful leaders of growing companies...it is definitely a tip that will have a high "payoff" in the future!
Pat Dolen
pat@tydemandolen.com
Great blog about the importance of quality family time.
With the constant demands of creating a successful career and giving our children “more than we had” it is easy to overlook the fact that time is our most precious resource.
Children will soon forget about the newest toy we bought and outgrow their clothing, but quality time builds lasting memories.
Keep up the good work!!!!
Thank you Pat and Robert for your encouraging feedback. If there are ever topics that you'd like me to address, please feel free to send me an email at samuel@kenneditaylor.com.
Read the latest post when you get a chance.
Have a Great Week!
Sam
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