For several years now, my partner and I have made it a priority to carve out one-on-one time with our three kids. Each month, one of us dedicates a couple of hours to spend exclusively with one child. We alternate months, so each child gets their special time. This means three weekends are set aside for them, while the fourth weekend is reserved for us to enjoy a date night.
The activities are chosen by the kids. Before the pandemic, we might have gone ice skating, swimming, or to the movies. Recently, however, this dedicated time has taken on a new significance. While options for outings have diminished, we still find joy in simple activities, like streaming movies in a quiet room. For instance, I recently took my 13-year-old, Alex, on a driving adventure around town to play Pokémon Go.
What matters most is not the activities themselves but the opportunity these moments provide for meaningful conversations. With the challenges of remote learning, social isolation, and the stresses of a pandemic, these interactions are crucial—especially for my older two kids, ages 11 and 13.
Just last weekend, I was scheduled to spend time with my 11-year-old daughter, Lily. She chose to watch the high school musical “Zombies” on Disney Plus. On our way to pick up a food order, we listened to the soundtrack, and I was surprised when she sang along to every song, despite claiming to have never seen the film before. When I asked her why she knew the songs, she simply replied, “I’ve been saving it.”
“For what?” I questioned.
“To watch it with you,” she said, her bashful smile revealing how much she anticipated this time together. It was heartwarming to see the excitement in her eyes, a welcome change during these tough times.
Reflecting on my Pokémon outing with Alex, we began with a stop at a local eatery—his choice. While driving through our small town, he guided me as we searched for “shiny” Pokémon. Even though I was clueless about the specifics of the game, the real reward was our conversation. We discussed his feelings about missing friends, the difficulties of online learning, and his hopes for returning to soccer practice. These conversations are invaluable; they help him release his worries, and I believe this wouldn’t have happened if anyone else were with us.
In our current circumstances, we lean heavily on each other as a family. Working and learning from home means my kids need someone to confide in. Dedicating just a few hours to this one-on-one time provides them with a safe space to express their feelings and gives them something to look forward to during these challenging times.
Investing an hour or two on the weekends truly makes a significant difference.
For more insights on nurturing family connections, check out our related post on home insemination. If you’re looking for authoritative information on home insemination, visit Make a Mom, and for comprehensive resources on pregnancy, the CDC offers excellent information.
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Summary
Scheduling dedicated one-on-one time with your children is essential for fostering connection and communication, especially during challenging times. Simple activities can create invaluable opportunities for kids to express their feelings and look forward to special moments with their parents.
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