If you are a single parent it can be hard to give your kids the attention they deserve.
Finding the time to sit down and really talk with them is probably hard to do.
After all, you are only one person trying to do the work of two parents!What's more, as kids grow up they become involved in more and more activities which make "family time" even rarer.
Even though it might be hard, it is important for family members to communicate with each other.
Here are a few hints to help ensure that your family has regular "talk times.
" Game Night Game night is a night that is set aside, usually one night a week, when everybody in the family gets together, turns off the television set and plays games together (board games are a favorite on game night).
On game night, the atmosphere is relaxed and kids are more likely to open up when they are relaxed.
Plus, it's a load of fun, and makes for a wonderful evening with the family! Family Meeting The only problem with a family meeting is that it can often feel confrontational and older kids (especially once they become teenagers) will probably be reluctant to participate.
Family Meetings are important in that they show your kids that you value their time and that you will clear time in your schedule to simply listen to what is going on in their lives.
Dinner Time Dinner time is something that used to be common place, but it has fallen largely by the way side in our "on the go" society.
Dinner time is a great time to gather everybody around the table, turn off the televisions and cell phones and have a good meal.
Dinner time can be even more fun when the entire family pitches in to make the meal.
During dinner time every member of the family talks about what went on during their day and it is a good way to show your kids that time with family is valuable.
Of course, even the most fun of family gatherings will need a set of ground rules.
Here are some rules to ensure that your kids feel safe talking and sharing their opinions: 1.
Show respect for your siblings and parents 2.
Respect peoples' boundaries 3.
Focus on concerns expressed by your kids 4.
Make sure that your kids know that you are in charge.
5.
Don't let yourself (or your family members) get sidetracked.
Don't forget that the goal is to show your family that they matter to you and that they are worth spending time with.
Even if things do not go as planned or if, once in a while, a game night or a talk time has to be rescheduled, do not give up.
Your kids will know that you are making an effort to be with them and they will appreciate it.