The best gift for your child - your time and attention

As a rule, the mother still has the largest share of parenting, while the father provides for the livelihood of the family. Because fathers spend much less time with the offspring, you should try to make the most of the limited time. The keyword for this is "Quality Time".

© Fotolia.com
Behind the cumbersome term "quality time" is simply the attitude that one uses the limited time that one has together as a family, instead of just letting it pass. Sure, it's hard to resist the temptation to simply lie down on the sofa and rest after a hard day's work. But also think of your children and your partner, who have been waiting all day to see you again.

How to get the most out of the limited time

When you come home, welcome each family member extensively. Dad is at home, everything is fine. If necessary, retreat and give yourself a few minutes to "get down." Afterwards, take the time to talk to your partner for a few minutes to review what happened during the day. This is important time for your partnership. The kids have to wait during this time, which is not a problem if they know that daddy will really have time for them afterwards.

Make the time together with your children a permanent institution, a ritual. Give your child your full attention when you are with him. Take it in your arms and give it your affection. Ask it how his day was and what it has experienced. Listen and respond to what it tells. Participate in and promote the interests and hobbies of your child. Take your child seriously and show enthusiasm for what is new or has done.

Play with your offspring - every evening and happily. Your child likes to play soccer and it is still bright outside? Walk with him in the garden or in the park and play the balls. Let yourself be told what your child has experienced and at the same time show how to fit with the weak foot. The movement will do you both good and will bring you closer together. Your son or daughter has a favorite game? Join in, be hilarious, discover the child in you again. Find a new variant of the game that only belongs to both of them. As a dad, you have a great opportunity to have exuberant, childlike fun. Your kids will love their dad and no one will think you're crazy. Be lively and active and just be there for your children at the moment.

Things to do with the children on the weekend

During the week, the time with your children is usually limited. Therefore, use the weekend to do something together on a regular basis. Even without the mum, who might just enjoy some time just for herself.
What you can do? Basically, for children - depending on the age - almost everything interesting. Above all, it is important how the dad "sells" it to you. Anything that has anything to do with animals is great anyway. But even a bus ride with dad can be great, if you can watch the bus driver and dad explains what the man does. Papas are basically there to explain the world. That sounds like an interesting task, right?

Have a look at the calendar of events in your city on the Internet. You will be surprised how many events and tours there are especially for children. From the puppet theater to the guided tour in the train station or airport to the reptile zoo with caresses of the animals, there is certainly something for your child. Make sure that the event suits your child's age. Of course, you can also consider your own interests. Even a car show or a football game can be interesting for children. Keep in mind what you do, but always remember that a child's attention span is not too long. If it gets boring and an ice cream does not help in between, then you have to go again. And no matter what you do, your child should be the main person if you do something with him. Create shared memories that you and your children will remember for a long time to come.

A few useful hints:

• If you make most of your calls on the way home from mobile, they will have more time for your family in the evening. The evening time with your children is short and should be interrupted as rarely as possible by phone calls.

• Usually, companies that have something to do with the interests of your children are especially good. Your daughter likes horses?
  Surprise her with a visit to a horse show. Your son likes knights? On to a knight exhibition or the next castle.

• Afterwards, talk to your children about what you have seen. On the one hand, you get a good feeling for how a company arrived, on the other hand, you can answer possible questions or alleviate any fears of the child.

• If you have a good feeling, then you can actually plan a surprise trip with your children. Tell them you'll do something next Sunday, but not until the evening before, exactly what.

• Keep your promises. There is hardly anything that you can do to disappoint your children more than to cancel a joint venture.