• The Good Life
    • Parenting
    • Clean & Tidy
    • Motivational Monday
  • Healthy Eats
    • Healthy Life
  • Conversations
  • Our Favorites
    • What’s Working Wednesday
    • Friday Favorites
    • Guest Post
  • Resources
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Mommy Convos

How to Have One-On-One Time with Your Kids

in Guest Post, Parenting on 23/04/20

I have three 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 ever expected, prior to having kids. One of my favorite parenting products I’ve purchased is the “Positive Parenting Solutions” premium package by Amy McCready. (Oh la la…) And McCready’s principle of “Special Time” has changed my parenting game for the better!

So, what IS One-on-One “Special Time”?

“Special time” is an effective parenting tool by the acclaimed Amy McCready’s, “Positive Parenting Solutions” online course.

One of McCready’s main tools is called: Mind-Body-and-Soul time, or “Special Time” as we call it at our house. It’s ten minutes of one-on-one time with your child doing something he or she wants to do. The key is to be fully present and show them that they matter. McCready advises doing this with each of your children, daily– which, I think, is a challenge! However…

The “Why”:

When our kids have their “attention bucket” full, they tend to whine, fight-back, and misbehave LESS! Instead, they have a sense of power and fulfillment. It’s all based on Adlerian Psychology, and it makes sense, right? I figure it’s worth doing!  So I tried it. I liked it! 

GREAT advice for starting some 1-on-1 time with your kids. The Why, the HOW, and great printables to make it a success! 1) an activity idea generator to find quality things to do together, top 10 tips for successful "special time"

The “How”:

Amy McCready’s recommends doing special time:  ten minutes, per kid, per day.  I found that I needed some strategies to make the special time a success. Otherwise, I was putting off Special Time and it just didn’t happen all together.

Four Main Tactics to Help You Start:
  1. Set an Alarm.  I decided to do one kid each day at the same time each day. I figured out a time that works well with naps, school, etc. Then I set an alarm to remind me to put the baby down for a nap and then start “special time”.  I do each kid during the day and then stories and pillow talk at night.
  2. Predetermine what the other kids (not in special time) will do.  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, play in the backyard, family jobs, or read a book in their room.
  3. Guilt-free mind-frame. This special ten minutes with your child is all about them! You are catering to the Child Ego-State, they decide on the activity and you as the parent get to play along. As a parent, you might feel frustrated that you’re wasting your time. But remember, this time is all about enjoying the time with your child. These few minutes of the day are where you’re totally off the hook from getting anything done- just relax and be a kid!
  4. Have a list of activities or ideas written down. Call it exhaustion or mom brain, but sometimes I can’t remember what we had planned for “Special time”. So I keep a list of ideas on our family board. Or, if you are out of ideas- check out this printable to get those wheels turning. Just remember- this is a child-led activity, so let them pick!
The “Perfect Printable”:

GREAT advice for starting some 1-on-1 time with your kids. The Why, the HOW, and great printables to make it a success! 1) an activity idea generator to find quality things to do together, top 10 tips for successful "special time"

If you’d like a printable copy of our one-on-one time activity idea generator, please subscribe and we’ll email it over! We really hope it ends up being a big success for you, like it has for me and Tiffaynee. So, we ALSO made a printable that has our top ten tips that have been key for us to make it a success!

One of the tips for one-on-one special time: write your fun times together on a chalk-board. This does 3 things: 1) Reminds you, and helps you stay motivated to fill it up with fun experiences together, 2) Helps you focus on the positive interaction with your kids, and 3) Acts as a journal to save the memories if you take a picture of it when it gets full!

The Verdict:

I have seen that when I give my kids my time and attention in positive ways, it is an investment and we do have less need for the power-struggles. I’d rather spend the ten minutes in a proactive, pleasant interaction with my little girl, than a ten-minute talk-her-down-from-a-tantrum session. There have been several times over the years where we’re having a hard day with kids being out-of-control, and I can usually pinpoint that I haven’t really given that child the attention in a way that they feel valued and appreciated. So- be sure to check out the printables to help you make it a success for both you and your child. I now think it’s a total must!

Amy McCready’s full system incorporates several other tools and so sometimes I need to remind myself that there’s more to this “parenting thing” than just giving my kids one-on-one attention! I have loved being a premium member of PPS- it’s totally changed my mom experience for the way-better! If you ever want to make sure you’re being the best parent you can be, I would definitely recommend checking out this free webinar– she shares some great info and ideas that are so helpful!

Early on, I noticed that one-on-one special time helps me to handle the hard moments with confidence and security. I feel connected to my child, and that’s so important! With “special time”, 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!

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

Best wishes,

Jennica

12 Comments

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!

Restored 316 Feminine Wordpress Theme Design using the Genesis Framework

Sign up to get our latest printables for FREE!

« How to Actually Help Kids in Crisis
How to Elevate Your Vibe from Apathy & Depression »

Comments

  1. AvatarMona says

    August 3, 2016 at 10:02 pm

    Good stuff, Jenn!!!

    Reply
  2. AvatarAshley says

    August 5, 2016 at 8:20 am

    I love the idea of connecting every day. We’ve been doing special dates, and I have noticed much better behavior. I do spend time each day with my kids on their schoolwork, and reading time especially has become very special for my kids. I also have them help me with dishes or dinner, and we chat about what’s going on with them at that time. So I guess it’s not a super special or even different activity, but I think it helps to connect over the everyday tasks and activities as well. I want to try out some different stuff and see how that goes. ?

    Reply
  3. AvatarTiffaynee says

    August 5, 2016 at 11:58 pm

    We have LOVED doing the Positive Parenting Solutions program. One-on-one time (or “special time” as we call it) is seriously our girl’s favorite part of the day. They always look forward to the activities they get to choose! It’s so fun to see all the things they come up with and how much they have actually spending time with us as parents. Love it!

    Reply
  4. AvatarAshlee says

    August 7, 2016 at 11:02 am

    This is such an awesome concept. I’ll have to remember this when I start having kids!

    Reply
  5. AvatarChloé of beyond blessed says

    August 9, 2016 at 9:28 am

    What a fantastic idea! I don’t have kids yet, but absolutely will try this when we do!! Thank you!

    http://beyondblessedblog.com/

    Reply
  6. AvatarFarrah says

    August 9, 2016 at 1:14 pm

    I LOVE having one-on-one time with London when my husband is away at work. It is the best ever! I need to try some of these activities… Love them all!

    Xox,
    Farrah & London
    londonhadalittlelamb.com

    Reply
  7. AvatarCaitlin says

    August 11, 2016 at 2:22 am

    Some good ideas but many of them would take waaaayyy longer than the 10 minutes suggested. And god knows, if one kid gets more than 10 minutes mbs time, the other ones are going to lose their minds.

    Reply
    • AvatarJennica says

      August 11, 2016 at 3:55 pm

      Hey caitlin! lol- #truth right there! So- yeah- any of these activities (watercolor painting etc.)- I start the one “special child” off for 8-10ish min and then let the other kid join in after she’s done with their “keep-em-busy” activity. Totally works! but yeah- there are some that would be a VERY special special time thats more of a special occasion.

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Anger in Kids: A Positive Action Plan to Deal with it - Mommy Convos says:
    February 22, 2017 at 9:47 pm

    […] this issue, I will use the walking away too. As always, I’ve gotta remember to prioritize daily “special time” with that child. Research shows that when a child feels belonging and significance, they behave […]

    Reply
  2. Ten Non-Toy Stocking Stuffers for a Non-Toy Year - Mommy Convos says:
    December 1, 2017 at 10:07 pm

    […] good idea. We use the quiet ones for church, or to pass the time waiting for preschool carpool, for Mind Body and Soul time, road trips, rainy day activities or even for family […]

    Reply
  3. Turning a "Mom Funk" Around with Top-Performing Tactics - Mommy Convos says:
    January 24, 2018 at 9:00 pm

    […] connect with your kids in a positive way (it’s so good for both of you on many […]

    Reply
  4. 4 Tips for Thriving When Your Husband Works a Ton - Mommy Convos says:
    April 27, 2018 at 9:10 pm

    […] can concentrate my relationship-building time to get closer with my kids. Here’s why I think it’s worth […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

So glad you found us!

Mommy ConvosHi there! We are Morgan & Tiffaynee and we are the mommies behind Mommy Convos. It is our mission to inspire mothers to build and strengthen their family relationships. We believe mothers can change the world, and that happens - one conversation at a time.

Join the convo!

Don't miss out on our latest insider freebies!

Instagram

mommyconvos

We believe mothers can change the world and that happens one conversation at a time. Snag our free "Summer Resources" E-book below 💕🏡

Morgan & Tiffaynee
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. 😍
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: API requests are being delayed for this account. New posts will not be retrieved.

There may be an issue with the Instagram access token that you are using. Your server might also be unable to connect to Instagram at this time.

Popular Posts

childbirth, postpartum depression, how to identify PPD and PPA, difficult pregnancy and childbirth, traumatic childbirth, childbirth, how to understand what postpartum depression looks like

How a Difficult Childbirth can Surrender your Mental and Emotional Health

5 reasons to give adventures instead of gifts this year

Planning Christmas Like a Minimalist

30 Captivating Christmas Books You Need to Read Now

Join Us on Instagram

mommyconvos

We believe mothers can change the world and that happens one conversation at a time. Snag our free "Summer Resources" E-book below 💕🏡

Morgan & Tiffaynee
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. 😍
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: API requests are being delayed for this account. New posts will not be retrieved.

There may be an issue with the Instagram access token that you are using. Your server might also be unable to connect to Instagram at this time.

Daily Boutique Deals

© Mommy Convos, LLC and mommyconvos.com, 2017.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission is strictly prohibited.

Copyright © 2021 · glam theme by Restored 316

  • Contact Us
  • Terms of Use
  • About Us