3 January 2021
What could be more valuable than spending time with your child and taking a break from work, housework or other obligations? It may sound very logical that quality time is important. After all, you read and see it everywhere on TV and in parenting magazines. But what concrete benefits does quality time with your child actually have? In this blog, we will find an answer to this question and you will find out that the climbing forest is the perfect place to work on the bond between them.
Your child gains self-confidence
Parents play a big role in their child's self-confidence. According to psychologist Sarina Brons, self-confidence is the driving force to move forward and take on new things. Some children have a less positive self-image and therefore less self-confidence. Doing activities together, learning new things and giving your child compliments will boost your child's self-confidence. Give your child appreciation even if they just make an attempt at cycling without training wheels, for example, but don't get it right the first time. Eventually, a child must also learn that sometimes they have to try more often before something succeeds.
Behaviour improves
Quality time is also important if you want to change some of your son or daughter's behaviour. For example, when you want to potty train your child. Child psychologist Tischa Neve says that a positive approach is important then. This works many times better than punishment. So confirm the desired behaviour by giving compliments. Negative behaviour can best be unlearned by ignoring it. Changing children's behaviour only works if you give them your full attention. By making it real quality time and communicating it to your child as a fun activity, you will notice that behaviour improves.
The bond with your child grows
American child psychiatrist Stanley Greenspan has advocated 'floortime' with your child for years. With small children, you literally spend this time on the floor: you sit down next to them to play or do a puzzle together. You do this for 30 minutes a day. With older children, this may also be a bit shorter. This does not have to be done literally on the floor either. The important thing is to participate in your child's activities. His research has shown that this actually strengthens the bond between them.
You avoid negative attention
And then another nice bonus: by spending 1-on-1 time, you even prevent annoying behaviour. According to Greenspan, quality time together will cause your child's behaviour to improve. Negative behaviour is often a cry for attention. Spending time together gives your son or daughter attention in a positive way. You listen to him or her and give compliments. Your child then no longer has a reason to start behaving badly.
Besides all these reasons, there is of course one main reason: it is just super cosy to spend time with your child! You can keep quality time simple, by just doing something at home. But of course it's nice to do it a bit bigger once in a while, for example during the holidays. The climbing forest is a perfect place to work on bonding and challenge together. Overcome fears, work together and above all: enjoy nature and each other. We'll see you soon!
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