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It seems that families now-a-days are struggling through their daily lives. There is just so much to do and so little time to do it in. A great number of families rely on dual incomes, therefore both the mother and the father are working. You know the routing. You are tired and cranky after a long, hard day at work. The kids get home from school or you pick them up at the sitter’s after work. You pile the kids in the car and run to the supermarket to find something quick and easy to make for dinner. You drive home, where, while you are cooking dinner the kids are doing their homework. Finally, you eat, clean up and get the kids ready for bed. By this point, if you’re lucky you may get a few moments to sit down and take a very quick breather.
So, after taking all of that into consideration, when do you have time to play games with your children? Or, help them with their schoolwork? It is imperative for parents to take an active role in their children’s education. And, everyone knows how crucial family time is to keep the lines of communication between parents and children open, as well as to strengthen the bonds of love and trust. But, when can you partake in these activities? Sine you cannot add time to your day, the only other alternative is to be as creative and frugal with the time you have together. But, don’t despair. There are ways to incorporate fun and learning into the daily grind. Have you ever thought of turning the trip to the supermarket into a fun and enjoyable learning activity? Or, the time at the pediatrician's office into a crash course in spelling and vocabulary?
The next time you have to make a quick stop at the supermarket make the most of it. Involve you children in the process. You will not only be accomplishing your objective but also getting them involved and teaching them as well. For example, do you need to pick up a can of coffee? Your kids practice their math skills in the process. Play a cost versus quantity game. If there is a ten ounce can of coffee on sale for $1.20 and a two pound can priced at $3.40 let them try to determine which is the better bargain. Keep pads of paper and pencils on hand for all of your trips to the supermarket. If your kids are younger and just mastering their reading skills give them a printed copy of your grocery list. Then allow them to read the aisle directories and tell you where an item should be found.
When was the last time you brought your child to the doctor’s office and didn’t have to spend any time waiting. Ever? Never? Well, use that time wisely. Keep a small set of workbooks and pencils or crayons in the glove box of your car to use during times such as this. Bring them into the waiting room with you and turn those dreaded moments of waiting into cherished learning experiences with your children.
Stuck in traffic? Make the most out of an unfortunate situation. Allow your children to let their creative juices flow. Tell stories to one another. Let them make up stories of their own and then try to tell them stories as well. Chances are you may also gain insight into what has been going on in their minds through their plot and characterization.
Use your imagination to turn every spare moment you can into quality and educational time with your children. You may be surprised by just how much “spare” time you have.
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