Don't talk to me about Quality time!
Some of us may think that the term 'Quality time' is over-used and rather clichéd. This may be true, but spending time with our children is so important if we are to understand them.
Image of kids Those of us with busy lives may feel guilty that we have to plan quality time with our families. However, many parents attending parenting courses have found the suggestions of special family times have been really helpful.

Some ideas that have been tried are one-to-one trips with an individual child, candlelit family meals where everyone helps to plan the menu, a games evening or film night with popcorn, where the children choose the video.

Teenagers may resist family times and appear withdrawn and uncommunicative. However, simply being around, getting to know their friends, the music and clothes they like, watching television with them, rather than criticising their choice of programme, are a few of the ways to make good connections. Adopting some of these ideas can help keep the channels of communication open. Although they may not show it, the chances are that your child will be pleased you are taking an interest in them. Learning to communicate well with our children can help with other areas of parenting.

For further information on parenting courses, please contact Sarah Boswell, Ruth Hopper (Parenting Teenagers), or Kate Green (5-11s) via the St George's Christian Centre.

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