Quality time for children
Khaleda Begum :
Namirah and Sadif are doing homework in the evening. After returning from office, their Mom is helping Sadif in finishing maths and Namirah in making words. Besides, she is peeling oranges and giving to the kids and their dad. Their dad is scanning online media in his mobile phone. Raising her face from the book Namirah asks mom, “Maa, from where we get orange?” From orange tree, Mom replies. Her second question is “But from where orange trees come?” Showing an orange-seed, this time, her dad answers, “From this seed, Maa.” Both the children become surprised and cried out, “How come, this is a very tiny little seed!!!” “Alright, I will show you how it happens, but we have to finish the home work first,” mom advises.
After the completion of the study, Mom offers, “This time we can make an experiment with coriander seeds” and she takes Namirah and Sadif to kitchen, opens a pot, gets some coriander seeds out. She shows and soaks them in a little bowel with water. Children ask what mom is going to do. Mom explains that soaking will make sprouting easy. Next day in the late afternoon, Sadif, Namirah and mom prepare a tub with soil. Then they spread the coriander on the soil and covers with a hand full of soil. Every morning and evening they check the tub kept in veranda and sprinkle some water on it.
After 4/5 days, Sadif cries out in joy and called Namirah and mom. Namirah has really been taken aback seeing the green carpet of coriander sprouts. Their joy knows no bound; it has been a great discovery for them. After that their mom bought 9 more tubs and made a rooftop vegetable garden which is now an oasis and pleasurable place for the whole family.
A few days back, their mom bought 4 tickets of Runa Laila soiree to introduce the kids with this great singer of the country and have a good time outside. The programme was five days away. Sadif and Namirah were eagerly waiting to attend the programme. Namirah was in a fix if to select the purple or the orange dress for that occasion.
Children from birth to adulthood need time and attention from their parents. Sometimes parents become so anxious to raise a ‘successful’ child that they overlook the importance of spending time interacting personally with their children.
The importance of interactive time when both the child and parents are fully engaged in an activity together is multi-fold. These activities create a sense among kids that they are important to their parents and an object to love to them. They can share their thoughts and express opinion on different issues, which give an opportunity to the parents to know the strengths and weaknesses in them and guide them accordingly. A strong bond built as a consequence of such quality times, which may the incidence of emotional and behavioural problems in children. It fosters communication among family members; provide positive reinforcement and teaches social skills.
However if both the parents work outside, then just imagine, how much of their time is spent for kids! A working mom remains busy with cocking, washing, feeding, cleaning, and looking after family members on top of her office work. After returning from office a working dad is engaged with TV channels, talk shows, gossiping on politics, Face book and occasionally some household works. Where is the time for children? On the other hand, school going children have their school, home tasks, coaching and some have extracurricular activities like art-culture. Lack of attention to children also occurs in case of homemaker Moms if they are crazy for TV serials, shopping and outing- what the lonely or bored children can do.
Innumerable studies reveal several negative outcomes when the child or adolescent does not receive the right love, attention, and guidance from parents. A new study published in the Journal of Family Issues, led by Brown University sociologist Gregory Elliott shows that adolescents who believe they matter to their families are less likely to threaten or engage in violence against family members.
Parents are the best well-wishers of children – no doubt. The problem is that they might think that their children are admitted in the country-best school, given adequate number of house tutors, provided with all kind of toys, equipped with educational instruments, modern technology and above all blessed with a lot of money. However, they might not know that only these mundane things are not sufficient for the mental development of children. They want company and time from parents.
In this context, we can recall comment of the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama where he says, “Science and technology, though capable of creating immeasurable material comfort, cannot replace the age-old spiritual and humanitarian values that have largely shaped world civilisation. Thus it is only logical to try to strike a balance between material developments on the one hand and the development of spiritual, human values on the other. In order to bring about this great adjustment, we need to revive our humanitarian values.”
Parents can play the most crucial role in revitalising these values by ensuring quality time for children. Your hilarious and informative company may turn your dining table, kitchen, veranda, front yard and even rooftop into classroom.
Call and engage them when you fix any broken household item, reorganise your or their wardrobe, make cake or take care of photo albums. They will really enjoy beating eggs, mixing sugar or flour, or will be astonished seeing Mom and Dad in their teenage or very childhood. Take them outside or rooftop to play (if and only if that is properly railed). Activities regarding meal could become a family event from the selection of the menu, preparing the food and table, serving, eating together, and cleaning up.
During the meal, children and adolescents can be encouraged to talk about what is interesting to them, and not necessarily the usual topics like school and work.
Gardening is the most interesting activity which children enjoy the highest. It gives the touch of green and teaches them the basic idea about plantation such as how a big tree is grown from a petite seed, how we obtain flowers, fruits and vegetables from plants and so on. This will create a sense of love and care for nature and environment. A sprout first, then a sapling, grown up leaves, a bud, new flower, thereafter a little tomato or a guava or a purple brinjal bring immense pleasure for the children. Let them water the plants or take little care of it – just notice how shiny their faces become. You must believe that they will never pluck leaves, flower of unripe fruits or baby vegetables; rather they will touch them with utmost care with their soft little fingers.
Religious activities such as praying together or reading holy scripts has various effects including bringing mental peace, trust on the creator, and the most important thing is strengthening moral character of the children. Once they know the lessons from religion that to tell a lie is great sin or cheating others are punishable offences, they will at least think twice in doing so.
Outdoor activities such as hiking, walking, bicycling, picnic, or camping together are other ways of enjoying time together. For younger children, get in the habit of reading to them. For the adolescent, know what book they are reading, read it yourself and then you can discuss it together. For toddler, you can draw some outline and your kid will definitely enjoy colouring them. It might be a circle or triangle or a cat or a dog or a tree.
Patents should also guide their offspring whom to talk, whom to pass time with not only for good company but also for their safety. It is not safe to talk to any unknown person in front of house or school or on the street, or over telephone.
It is neither morally nor socially healthy to be engaged on Face book or other social media before reaching a certain age. It reduces students’ time for study and rest.
Family time should be an amusing and agreeable way to raise healthy and happy children. In spite of terrible busy schedule both at home and outside, it is extremely important to keep some time for kids.
This is because; you are the person whom they need in every way such as for subsistence requirement as well as mental development.
Parents are the safe haven for children, their sanctuary, and sources of all contentment in life. Therefore, don’t forget to ensure a joyous childhood for your little angels.
Namirah and Sadif are doing homework in the evening. After returning from office, their Mom is helping Sadif in finishing maths and Namirah in making words. Besides, she is peeling oranges and giving to the kids and their dad. Their dad is scanning online media in his mobile phone. Raising her face from the book Namirah asks mom, “Maa, from where we get orange?” From orange tree, Mom replies. Her second question is “But from where orange trees come?” Showing an orange-seed, this time, her dad answers, “From this seed, Maa.” Both the children become surprised and cried out, “How come, this is a very tiny little seed!!!” “Alright, I will show you how it happens, but we have to finish the home work first,” mom advises.
After the completion of the study, Mom offers, “This time we can make an experiment with coriander seeds” and she takes Namirah and Sadif to kitchen, opens a pot, gets some coriander seeds out. She shows and soaks them in a little bowel with water. Children ask what mom is going to do. Mom explains that soaking will make sprouting easy. Next day in the late afternoon, Sadif, Namirah and mom prepare a tub with soil. Then they spread the coriander on the soil and covers with a hand full of soil. Every morning and evening they check the tub kept in veranda and sprinkle some water on it.
After 4/5 days, Sadif cries out in joy and called Namirah and mom. Namirah has really been taken aback seeing the green carpet of coriander sprouts. Their joy knows no bound; it has been a great discovery for them. After that their mom bought 9 more tubs and made a rooftop vegetable garden which is now an oasis and pleasurable place for the whole family.
A few days back, their mom bought 4 tickets of Runa Laila soiree to introduce the kids with this great singer of the country and have a good time outside. The programme was five days away. Sadif and Namirah were eagerly waiting to attend the programme. Namirah was in a fix if to select the purple or the orange dress for that occasion.
Children from birth to adulthood need time and attention from their parents. Sometimes parents become so anxious to raise a ‘successful’ child that they overlook the importance of spending time interacting personally with their children.
The importance of interactive time when both the child and parents are fully engaged in an activity together is multi-fold. These activities create a sense among kids that they are important to their parents and an object to love to them. They can share their thoughts and express opinion on different issues, which give an opportunity to the parents to know the strengths and weaknesses in them and guide them accordingly. A strong bond built as a consequence of such quality times, which may the incidence of emotional and behavioural problems in children. It fosters communication among family members; provide positive reinforcement and teaches social skills.
However if both the parents work outside, then just imagine, how much of their time is spent for kids! A working mom remains busy with cocking, washing, feeding, cleaning, and looking after family members on top of her office work. After returning from office a working dad is engaged with TV channels, talk shows, gossiping on politics, Face book and occasionally some household works. Where is the time for children? On the other hand, school going children have their school, home tasks, coaching and some have extracurricular activities like art-culture. Lack of attention to children also occurs in case of homemaker Moms if they are crazy for TV serials, shopping and outing- what the lonely or bored children can do.
Innumerable studies reveal several negative outcomes when the child or adolescent does not receive the right love, attention, and guidance from parents. A new study published in the Journal of Family Issues, led by Brown University sociologist Gregory Elliott shows that adolescents who believe they matter to their families are less likely to threaten or engage in violence against family members.
Parents are the best well-wishers of children – no doubt. The problem is that they might think that their children are admitted in the country-best school, given adequate number of house tutors, provided with all kind of toys, equipped with educational instruments, modern technology and above all blessed with a lot of money. However, they might not know that only these mundane things are not sufficient for the mental development of children. They want company and time from parents.
In this context, we can recall comment of the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama where he says, “Science and technology, though capable of creating immeasurable material comfort, cannot replace the age-old spiritual and humanitarian values that have largely shaped world civilisation. Thus it is only logical to try to strike a balance between material developments on the one hand and the development of spiritual, human values on the other. In order to bring about this great adjustment, we need to revive our humanitarian values.”
Parents can play the most crucial role in revitalising these values by ensuring quality time for children. Your hilarious and informative company may turn your dining table, kitchen, veranda, front yard and even rooftop into classroom.
Call and engage them when you fix any broken household item, reorganise your or their wardrobe, make cake or take care of photo albums. They will really enjoy beating eggs, mixing sugar or flour, or will be astonished seeing Mom and Dad in their teenage or very childhood. Take them outside or rooftop to play (if and only if that is properly railed). Activities regarding meal could become a family event from the selection of the menu, preparing the food and table, serving, eating together, and cleaning up.
During the meal, children and adolescents can be encouraged to talk about what is interesting to them, and not necessarily the usual topics like school and work.
Gardening is the most interesting activity which children enjoy the highest. It gives the touch of green and teaches them the basic idea about plantation such as how a big tree is grown from a petite seed, how we obtain flowers, fruits and vegetables from plants and so on. This will create a sense of love and care for nature and environment. A sprout first, then a sapling, grown up leaves, a bud, new flower, thereafter a little tomato or a guava or a purple brinjal bring immense pleasure for the children. Let them water the plants or take little care of it – just notice how shiny their faces become. You must believe that they will never pluck leaves, flower of unripe fruits or baby vegetables; rather they will touch them with utmost care with their soft little fingers.
Religious activities such as praying together or reading holy scripts has various effects including bringing mental peace, trust on the creator, and the most important thing is strengthening moral character of the children. Once they know the lessons from religion that to tell a lie is great sin or cheating others are punishable offences, they will at least think twice in doing so.
Outdoor activities such as hiking, walking, bicycling, picnic, or camping together are other ways of enjoying time together. For younger children, get in the habit of reading to them. For the adolescent, know what book they are reading, read it yourself and then you can discuss it together. For toddler, you can draw some outline and your kid will definitely enjoy colouring them. It might be a circle or triangle or a cat or a dog or a tree.
Patents should also guide their offspring whom to talk, whom to pass time with not only for good company but also for their safety. It is not safe to talk to any unknown person in front of house or school or on the street, or over telephone.
It is neither morally nor socially healthy to be engaged on Face book or other social media before reaching a certain age. It reduces students’ time for study and rest.
Family time should be an amusing and agreeable way to raise healthy and happy children. In spite of terrible busy schedule both at home and outside, it is extremely important to keep some time for kids.
This is because; you are the person whom they need in every way such as for subsistence requirement as well as mental development.
Parents are the safe haven for children, their sanctuary, and sources of all contentment in life. Therefore, don’t forget to ensure a joyous childhood for your little angels.
