Lunch is a Great Time to Reconnect with Your Child
Many parents would agree it’s difficult to find quality time with your child each day, especially when both parents work and the kids are in school all day. By the time everyone gets home after a long day in the classroom or office, it’s time to prepare dinner and unwind. So, how do you find the time with one another? Take advantage of lunch time in order to reconnect with your child and spend some quality time together.
Most schools will welcome you to join your child for lunch. At least once a week, you should plan on having lunch with your child at school, if at all possible. Check with the school to see if you can purchase a hot lunch or prepare a special brown bag lunch for you and your little one. Don’t forget to pack a special treat for dessert for this special lunch date either.
If your child’s teacher or principle allow for taking your child away from school during their lunch break, you can pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it in the park. Another option is to take your child to their favorite restaurant, if you have enough time, once a month.
While you’re spending lunch with your child, take advantage of the one on one time and talk about their school day, what’s going on with their friends and studies, etc. He or she will love having your undivided attention to talk about whatever they wan to. You’ll learn more about their school, friends and even more about your child themselves.
Weekday lunch dates aren’t the only afternoon reconnection times available to you either. Use the weekend lunch time to your advantage as well. If you have more than one child, alternate taking them out to lunch one at a time for some time alone – just the two of you. Of course mom and dad can take turns at these lunch dates so each child gets to enjoy one parent at a time.
One on one lunches are also a great time to teach your child about good eating habits and proper nutrition without the possible embarrassment from fellow siblings. If you are packing a lunch, get your child involved in choosing what to prepare the night before or the morning of. Not only will your child be more likely to eat, and enjoy, a lunch they helped to prepare, but you can also gently guide them towards healthier choices like carrots instead of potato chips, turkey instead of bologna and fruit salad instead of that favorite dessert.
Take advantage of lunch time and spend some quality time with your child. The two of you have to eat anyway, why not enjoy a meal together and spend some time really getting to know your child again? You’ll not only be spending time together, but you’ll also create memories and bonding times that both of you will hold dear for years and years.
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