Many parents wonder about how spending time with kids affects their development. Being more fully engaged in my son’s education was one of the greatest decisions I ever made. When he was younger, I thought that simply ensuring he did his homework, was not getting bullied and kept his grades up would be enough.
Then, as part of my research activities, I started reading about how parental involvement and out-of-school activities were essential for building creative, independent and responsible kids. This was a life-changing moment for my family.
Research on learning outcomes will tell you that family background explains most of the gaps in student achievement. Education begins at home and never stops.
New findings show that parental involvement in education is pivotal for the success of children throughout their school years and beyond. Why?
– Because, despite their best efforts, schools do not cater for all students’ needs. No matter how adorable you think your kid is, no school or teacher will repeatedly go out of their way to develop the specific skills you value.
– Because schools do not necessarily prioritize the same things that you may.
– Because schooling and education are two separate things. Dancy’s book “You Are Your Child’s First Teacher” perfectly explains how the simplest activities parents share with their kids at home can help them develop cognitive, social and emotional skills.
Kids spend approximately 25 per cent of their time in school and the rest away from school.
- So how do you get more involved in your kids’ education, no matter how much you have on your plate?
- How do you strike a balance between working and spending time with your kids?
Research has shown that a few forms of parental involvement are particularly beneficial to children and involve relatively little time. Here are five evidence-backed ways in which you can get involved:
How to spend more time with your kid
1. Reading can help you spend time with your kids
Researchers in education and education philosophers such as Steiner (Waldorf schools) place storytelling at the centre of learning. Reading awakens curiosity, imagination and critical thinking skills and instils a sense of enjoyment of reading in children.
Regularly reading to your kids aloud improves their reading performance even beyond their childhood years.
You can read from books with or without pictures, make up your own stories, or use creative story cards or board games.
Can’t find the time to read or tell stories?
- Talk to your kids.
- Tell them about your day.
- Tell them about things you’re reading.
- Sing songs.
- Read signs and labels aloud.
Adopting traditions around reading is also an easy way to help you spend time with your kids, and it will help familiarize both younger and older kids with new words. For example, your family can adopt a read-aloud tradition or even start a reading a marathon.
2. Encourage your kids to read
Encouraging your kids to read helps them develop a reading culture well beyond their childhood years. Display books on shelves. Books that they don’t see are bound to get forgotten. If possible, place them next to the objects they’re about.
Offer books as presents. Visit libraries. Ask your kids what they’re reading at school. Encourage them to share their thoughts.
Further reading
How to get the reluctant reader to love books
5 fun and powerful tips to raise a reader
3. Be a reader yourself
You want your kids to enjoy reading? Be a reader yourself. By valuing reading, you show them that reading is an essential part of life. Many parents overlook the fact that kids and even adolescents learn by example.
If you want your children to enjoy reading in childhood and beyond, set a good example by reading yourself. Show them that reading is enjoyable. If you don’t like reading books or don’t have time, read magazines, read newspapers, read poetry. And don’t forget to share what you’re reading with your kids or partner.
4. Spend time with your kids by talking to them about the world around them
Talking to your kids about the social, political and cultural environment around them has been shown to improve their critical-thinking skills. Many parents believe that some things are better left alone but if your kids are asking about it, then it needs to be explained.
Watch your words with young children and do not hesitate to use stories to explain things in a way that they can understand.
Talking negatively about your own learning experiences can lead to negative learning attitudes among children. Several education philosophies, such as the Reggio Emilia approach which has been adopted in many institutions around the world, place great emphasis on how kids relate with the outside environment.
Children determine their place in the world depending on how they interact with others. Encourage open and honest discussions with adolescents. Adopt a democratic parenting style. Talk to them about politics, social and cultural issues, films, what you do at work… this can be done even in the car or over dinner.
5. Get involved in your kids’ school activities
Participating in your kids’ activities shows them that you value education. Don’t wait until they begin to struggle before you get involved. Discuss their progress with their teachers, even when they’re doing well; participate in organized activities; volunteer at your kids’ school if you can but only if you want to. Showing teachers you care about your children’s education might also prompt them to pay more attention to your children.
Final thoughts on spending time with kids
Not having enough time to spend with their kids is one of the things that many parents feel guilty about. But we now know that quality trumps quantity every time.
An easy way to ensure that you get to spend time with your kids is to schedule some time everyday and to spend that time with them. Have everyone come up with an activity that they would like to do then put all the ideas in a box and choose one every day. You can also try my FREE 30-DAY CHALLENGE that proposes activities for spending time with kids that your entire family will enjoy – and most of the activities only need 15 to 20 minutes of your time!
Further reading
Bonding family: 101 Quick and Easy Tips to Truly Bond Your Family
What makes a family strong, according to science
10 Non-Holiday Traditions You Can Start to Truly Bond Your Family
Post updated on 12/04/2022
