Quality Time: The Main Ingredient for a Quality Child

As parents, we have to have a solid list of priorities in our lives. This list is not a short one, as there is so much activity in our lives. We are parents and parents are always on the go and usually in quite a rush. We could simply take things as they come and let chance rule our lives, but to do so would be to put our children very low on that list at one point or another, likely quite often.

One of the number one priorities that we should have on our list of important subjects is that of quality time with our children. Think about it. How often do we get to spend real quality time with our families? Most people would think quite often, but then, are you sure that the time that you are spending is legitimate quality time?

Let's look at the literal meaning behind the words themselves. Merriam Webster's Dictionary defines the word "Quality" as a "Peculiar and Essential Character." I couldn't have said it better myself. Quality is peculiar in that it is unusual. What we are getting at is that quality time is not average time. It is not the trip to the mall. It is not those same ball games that you watched them play all season long. There's nothing peculiar or essential about that. It is common. Quality time should be far from run of the mill. The "essential" aspect is absolutely on target.

Quality time is essential, at least if we want our children to grow up and be quality adults, not a simple clone of everyone else in the world. As you spend quality time with your children, you, in turn, create quality children. You want kids that are leaders of the future, not bored factory workers who hate their jobs and lives. You want Quality children, those who are peculiar and essential.

Society is constantly leaning individuals, particularly our children, towards the school of thought that it is good to be like everyone else. As a parent, we should avoid this attitude at all cost. We need to teach our children that it's okay to be the one that designs the new car, not the one that sells it or buys it. We need to teach them that being cutting edge, original, and bold is a positive aspect. We can achieve this if we will simply teach our children that the box that society has set up, is one that should be thought outside of. Dare to reach for the sky and chase your dreams, regardless if the world says that you can't do it.

There are many opportunities for you, as the active parents, to invest into your children's quality future through quality time. Here is an easy example that you can start immediately: Set at least one evening aside each week to do something special with your children. Invest some time without the outside interference of society. Make it a time for just you, your children, and their lives. One night per week to talk about everything that happened in school, at work, and in life. What you learned and how you can apply it in life. Share your plans for the coming week and find out what their plans are and how you can support them to succeed.