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Mommy Convos

One-on-One Special Time with Your Kids

in Parenting, The Good Life on 23/03/16

One-on-one special time with your kids:

The why, the how, and an awesome list to get you started.

I have 2 high-energy, very INTENSE children (plus a baby sister that seems to be following suit!). This generates a lot of fun, exhaustion, and creativity at our house. I’ve found myself investing more in parenting resources than I would’ve expected of myself, prior to having kids. One thing I recently purchased was Amy McCready’s, “Positive Parenting Solutions” premium package. (Oh la la…)

One-on-one special time with your kids: the HOW the WHY, and an awesome list to get you started

Main Tool- Mind- Body and Soul Time: 

One of her main tools is called, mind-body-and-soul time. It’s ten minutes of one-on-one time with your child doing something he or she want to do. The key is to be fully present with them and show them that they matter.  Amy advises doing this with each of your children twice daily– which, I think, is a challenge! However, when our kids have their “attention bucket” full, they tend to  whine less, fight-back, and misbehave. Instead, they have a sense of power and fulfillment. Makes sense, right? I figure it’s worth doing!

IMG_5719

So I tried it. I like it! I did find that I needed some strategies to make it a success. Otherwise, I was putting it off and it just wasn’t happening. Here’s what I found that helped me:

  1. I decided to do one kid each day at the same time– I figured out a time that works well with naps, school, mood etc. Then I set an alarm to remind me to put the baby down for a nap, and then start “special time” (as we call it at our house)! …So, here’s where I admit that I’m not following the two times a day recommendation: I just do one kid during the day, and then stories and pillow talk at night. It seems to be enough for us!
  2. Predetermine what to do with the other kids so they won’t interrupt. Ideally, the other sibling might be at school,  practice, or nap time , but if not, here’s what I use for some ideas: play on the tablet. color. quiet time activities. have them go outside. jobs. read a book in their room.
  3. Put together a list of activities you will be motivated to do with him or her. This is big. You, the momma, only get a few golden minutes each day that are uninterrupted! You have to have activities in mind that don’t feel like a total waste of the precious few minutes you have! Enjoy the time with your child; it’s a few minutes of the day where you are totally off the hook from getting anything done- just relax and be a kid!

I came up with this list, separated by mood. You can print it out (handy printable will be available soon!), or use it as a springboard to create your own with your child. Have fun with it!

HOW to do One on One time: 

Kitchen/Food:

  • eat a special snack together and talk about favorite healthy snacks mom can get at the store for her.
  • bake cookies, bread, or another treat that they like.
  • look in the fridge together and let the child decide what’s for dinner. Let them help prepare the meal.
  • picnic outside- talk about favorite things outside.

Outside:

  • go on a walk or bike ride
  • jump on the trampoline, basketball, jump-rope, or whatever you have in your yard 🙂
  • plant something
  • sidewalk chalk/hopscotch
  • play in the snow in winter/ water in summer 🙂

Play with toys:

  • puppets, dolls, action figures
  • puzzle, board game
  • go through the toy box and decide to donate some, and reward him for sharing.. Connect with him as you go, not focused on the task as much as you are connecting with him.
  • make a fort
  • blocks, legos
  • nerf gun war

Art:

  • write letters to friends or family
  • color or paint
  • make something out of a cardboard box like a rocketship or a car
  • make an elf or fairy garden
  • playdough

Educational:

  • flash cards with prizes
  • science projects
  • teach them about geography (where they live in relation to the world)

Relaxing:

  • read books: “look-and-find”, listen to a book on cd while mom rubs child’s back, chapter books.
  • at home spa treatments like: pedicures, makeover, massage, facial
  • yoga, guided meditation for kids (on youtube!)

Out and About:

  • play together at the park
  • shop for something the child wants
  • museum, play place, bowling, mini-golf, frozen yogurt etc.

Anytime/Anywhere:

  • play catch or frisbee
  • pillow fight or tickle fight
  • paper airplanes, see who goes farthest
  • dance-off
  • look through family photos
  • obstacle course
  • have your child teach you a game they learned in school (hand-clapping, don’t eat pete)
  • Pretend! (can actually be really fun if you get into it!)
Honest Thought about  “Special Time”: 

I think it’s worth doing. I know I’m creating great memories and building a relationship with my kids. There are few things in life that are  more important than that.

Has it changed their behavior? It’s hard to say. We still have a lot to work on! We have tantrums, we have kids that don’t listen the first (and second) time, right now we have some anger issues. But, I know it could be worse; we’ve been there! Amy McCready’s full system incorporates roughly 6 other tools and– that reminds me!– I should probably hop back into her website and make sure I’m using all of her helpful tools. 

One-on-one special time helps me to handle the hard moments with confidence and security. I feel connected to my child, and that does 2 things: I feel like I have an enhanced sense to know what they need from me; and the bonding time carries me through the “you’re-drivin’-me-crazy” times!

one on one special time chalk board

This chalk board helps me to be motivated to fill it up with really fun and memorable times. Also I love being able to remember them this way!

Do you do one-on-one time with your kids? Ever tried Amy McCready’s system before? What do you think about it?

-Jennica

Avatar

About Jennica

Jennica is a mom to four energetic girls, and wife to her love-at-second-sight husband. She ran a cleaning business for ten years, and would love to see the day that her entire house could be clean-- all at the same time. Until then, you’re likely to find her folding big loads of laundry while listening to inspiring podcasts, or chasing her little girls down the street!

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Comments

  1. AvatarChrissy Walker says

    March 24, 2016 at 1:18 pm

    I love this idea and I’m going to try it! It’s so easy to get caught up in the hours, days and weeks and not be intentional. Thank you for the excellent ideas!

  2. AvatarAshley Harmon says

    March 24, 2016 at 3:02 pm

    Great post Jenn! I am definitely going to try this!

  3. AvatarMisty says

    March 26, 2016 at 7:00 pm

    Making time to spend with each child can be challenging for busy parents or those who get too caught up in checking off things on their to-do lists (like myself). One thing I have to constantly remind myself is that there will always be a to-do list and that new tasks will replace those that I check off, just as fast as I check them off. I personally have to force myself stop what I’m doing when my child invites me to play with them, and just play, no matter how bad I feel I need to continue working on whatever it is I’m doing (unless dinner will burn :). I know that in just a few short years they’ll be teenagers who might no longer ask me for my time and the only time to bond with them is NOW. Excellant post!

Trackbacks

  1. My favorite posts on the new site – loveitmom says:
    July 13, 2016 at 10:13 pm

    […] https://mommyconvos.com/one-on-one-special-time-with-your-kids/ ok maybe my very fave! […]

  2. How to Create a Delightful Sunday as a Mother: Problems and Solutions - Mommy Convos says:
    January 4, 2017 at 11:49 am

    […] Make time for one-on-one “special time” for each of your kids. A whole post on the benefits of “special time” here: https://mommyconvos.com/one-on-one-special-time-with-your-kids/ […]

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Christmas is less than a week away. And if you hav Christmas is less than a week away. And if you haven’t read any of these adorable books – I highly suggest all of them. “But it’s too late!” You might be thinking and slightly panicking.... nonsense! ⠀
•⠀
•⠀
In fact, this post is perfectly timed to prepare you for your final purchases this weekend or even, Christmas book clearance time. 🥳 When Christmas is over I’m certain many of these books will go on sale. (Insert happy deal shoppers dance here! 💃🏼 🛍) •⠀
•⠀
So, I suggest you look for these books today to add to your library for the next holiday season. 🎁🎅🏻 ⠀
•⠀
•⠀
Head to our stories to see Morgan talk about some of her favorites, click the link in our bio for the Christmas book article or to shop all of our fav books- click on the Amazon link. ⠀
•⠀
• What holiday book is your favorite to read with your kids?
Morgan here- I’m all about planning ahead, espec Morgan here- I’m all about planning ahead, especially for the biggest holiday of the year, but I forget one small detail... the stockings. 🙈😑 Please tell me i’m not the only one? 
•
•
Last night the hubby and I finished our Christmas shopping and I can finally put the wallet away. I’m certain we’re done- I hope. I should probably check my stash to be sure! 🙈
•
•
Sharing today our list of fun non-toy stocking stuffers you can snag before it’s too late! Head to our @mommyconvos bio for the details! 
•
•
So, here’s the next question: do you Christmas shop for the family by yourself? (❤️) Or do you team up with your spouse? (❤️💚) Leave the colored heart that best describes you- below!
Hi friends! We hope that you are having an amazing Hi friends! We hope that you are having an amazing week and are having a blast gearing up for the holidays ahead. With 2020 coming to an end, we can all relate to how tough this year has been. However, the initial tendency as a parent might be to overspend in an effort to compensate for whatever did or didn't happen in 2020. ⁣
⁣
LET ME GIVE YOU THIS REASSURANCE, MOMMAS- it is NOT necessary to buy more during the holidays in order to compensate for whatever you feel your children lacked this year. ❤ ⁣
⁣
Instead, we highly suggest minimizing your Christmas stress by implementing a minimalistic mindset each year, but this year in particular. This year has blessed us with the specific opportunity to tune in and be more mindful of those you love, just like our Savior does for us. So take this time to BE more present instead of spending extra cash on gifts. We promise it will be absolutely worth it. ⁣
⁣
If you are looking at enjoying a more minimalistic holiday, be sure to check out the latest from the blog for some great tips and tricks for finding balance and peace this year. Just click the link in our bio @mommyconvos ⁣
⁣
How are you prepping for the holidays that are a little different than in previous years? 🎁🎄
Recently, my social media feed is full of #givetha Recently, my social media feed is full of #givethanks gratitude posts Oh how I love the change of focus! My list of gratitude is oh so long, my faith and my family are the top of my list, but also is good literature. Goodness, life is so much better with good books!  I love discovering new holiday books, and this year I found several now books to add to our collection. 
•
•
“Thanksgiving is here”- playfully illustrates the joys and chaos of large families gathering for Thanksgiving dinner. And when company leaves- how exhausted the hosts feel. Something as a mom I totally sympathize with. 😂
•
•
Another delight Thanksgiving book addition to our library this year is, “T-is for Thankful”. @babylit has done it again! Creating the cutest illustrated book centered around all the alphabetical great and small things to be thankful for this year.
•
•
Last year I shared our review on “Bad kitty does not like Thanksgiving” and this book is hilarious! Check out our Insta-stories for the awesome video review on this and other of our favorite Thanksgiving books.
•
•
Do you have a favorite thanksgiving book? Please share below so we can continue to learn from each other! Happy holidays friends. 🦃 🥧 Morgan and Tiffaynee
Today I’ve felt anxious. I know i’m not the on Today I’ve felt anxious. I know i’m not the only one feeling this way with the impending presidential announcement... so how do we handle feeling off, anxious or depressed? One of the best things you can do -right this moment- give a hug. Cuddle close to a loved one and hold one another. Breathe deep. And hug for another breath. And hopefully you’ll slowly feel that anxiety release. And feel free to cuddle longer. 😘
•
•
Sending a warm hug your way friend. 
❤️Tiff.
“When my daughter passed away unexpectedly at 10 “When my daughter passed away unexpectedly at 10 months old, my heart shattered. I was beyond broken… I was shattered beyond repair.⁣
⁣
They say it takes a “village” to raise a child…⁣
⁣
At that moment my “village” is what kept me alive…”⁣
•⁣
•⁣
@momma.hutch is 1 of every 4 women in the United States alone, who are affected by infertility or infant loss, or both. Mallory shares her brave story of dear Mackenzie’s passing and the journey she and her family are still going through. In this article Mallory  offers 10 invaluable and thoughtful ways to help a grief-stricken friend and we couldn’t agree more with her list. ⁣
•⁣
•⁣
To read her article- click @mommyconvos link in our bio. If you are a mother currently going through the grieving process- our deepest condolences and a virtual hug sent your way. We encourage you to check out Mallory‘s amazing supportive Instagram group: ... ⁣
•⁣
•⁣
When you are sad what is the one thing that cheers you up? I’ll give you a hint what mine is in the comments. 😍
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