The daily rush of responsibilities often becomes the cause of family neglect. Children in particular suffer, as they require parental attention. However, a full-time job does not necessarily mean that you do not have time to play with your child. How can you creatively spend your free time with your child? 
Everyone is busy these days. It seems almost impossible to combine work, household chores and relaxation. Nor can any parent afford to neglect contact with their child. Spending time together not only contributes to mutual understanding, but also to the development of the child.
Giving your child attention is particularly important in times of pandemonium, when their contact with school friends has been restricted. Although restrictions have largely been lifted, resulting in the reopening of playgrounds loved by children, time spent with parents is vital for little ones.
Spending time with your child - why is it so important?
It is worth emphasising that what is important in spending time with a child is not the quantity, but the quality. Creatively organised time has a positive effect on the relationship with the child, as well as on its proper development. It is much more beneficial to give your child your full attention for a few hours after work than to sit at home with him/her all day, without properly observing his/her needs and behaviour.
Spending time together builds the relationship between child and parent, by giving them a sense of security and being loved. It is also a form of satisfying the need for closeness and to be noticed. Spending free time together is also linked to the support and acceptance the child feels from the parents.
The relationship should be based on conversation, respect and trust. Spending time together is a chance to deepen the bond through cooperation. However, do not forget that the child needs a bit of autonomy - this allows the child to convince their parents of their abilities and skills.
How to spend time with your child?
Ideas for spending creative time with your child after work are plentiful. Above all, it is important to consider activities that will be good for the child's development and that will allow you to relax after a hard day. The possibilities should also be analysed in terms of how much time you can give your child to play together on a given day.
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Walking together
Being outdoors not only has a positive effect on the child, but also on the parents. After a hard day at work, a walk together is an opportunity to relax and unwind in nature. In addition, the child has the opportunity to unload the emotions accumulated throughout the day in a healthy way, just before going to bed. Walking together is also a good time for conversation. This is what builds and deepens family bonds.
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Cycling
Spending time with your child after work can also take the form of physical activity. Cycling together will help to use the child's energy in a positive way, and for the parent to relax. Being outdoors is essential for healthy development. Through cycling, the child also has the opportunity to develop his/her fitness and motor skills.
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Board games
Creative time with your child can also be spent at home. The most common ideas include an evening of favourite board games or jigsaw puzzles together. This is an excellent chance to exercise the mind and concentration. Research shows that this form of activity has a positive effect on a child's mental development. It is also a moment for family fun, filled with laughter and conversation.
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Reading books
Reading books not only exercises children's skills, but also develops creative thinking and imagination. Doing it together also provides a moment of precious family closeness. It is also worth mentioning that it is a relaxing activity, allowing adults to unwind after a day's work.
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Visits to playgrounds
For several months now, the coronavirus pandemic has effectively blocked some forms of spending time with children, which is particularly acute during the holiday season. Fortunately, playgrounds have been available again for some time. It's a great chance to use up children's energy, while relaxing the parent. For the child, it is also an opportunity to play with his or her peers - while taking all safety precautions, of course.
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Shared household chores
There are also days when a parent does not feel like doing anything after returning from work. Spending time with the child can therefore take the form of doing household chores together. From a child's perspective, cooking is the most attractive. So it makes sense to let him or her get creative in the kitchen when preparing family meals.
Cleaning or running errands together can also be made into a game. All you have to do is encourage your child to do it. In this way, he or she not only learns new skills by doing the chores assigned to him or her, but also learns to be conscientious, accurate and punctual.
