20 Everyday Activities That Turn Into Special Quality Time with Your Preschooler

The early years before formal schooling are a vital time for building a positive self-image and nurturing emotional well-being in children. One of the most significant factors affecting a child's self-esteem is the quality time parents spend with their child.

Meaning of quality time

Being in the same room with your preschooler cannot be equated with spending quality time. If your child is playing by themself while you are busy texting on WhatsApp, your physical presence means nothing to them. In the same way, if both of you are sitting side-by-side, absorbed in watching a programme on TV, that is not quality time either. So, what exactly is quality time? According to oxforddictionaries.com, quality time is, "Time in which one's child, partner, or other loved person receives one's undivided attention, in such a way as to strengthen the relationship."

The key element, therefore, is your undivided attention, with a focus on building and strengthening the relationship.

Benefits of spending quality time with your child

Even if it seems like a chore at times, if you make it a habit of putting away your phone, switching off the television and engaging with your child, and focusing your entire attention on them, you can reap the benefits of an emotionally healthy, positively disciplined child.

Here is how spending quality time with your child benefits them.

Builds self-esteem

When you spend time with your child, they feel important and that their feelings matter to you. This leads them to feel valued and worthy, thereby giving a boost to their self-esteem.

Improves behavior

Children often throw tantrums or misbehave when they feel they are unheard or misunderstood. When you constantly offer positive attention, your child learns to communicate their needs better. In addition, spending quality time together helps you understand them better as you anticipate their mood changes or behavioral disturbances, and take necessary measures to circumvent a meltdown.

Builds trust

When you make the effort to focus on your child, they begin to feel connected with you and will approach you whenever they have a difficulty. As they grow older, they will more likely be open and honest with you, so long as you continue to provide a safe space for them to communicate freely with you.

Develops emotional intelligence

Children with positive self-esteem often have a higher emotional quotient. Moreover, when you spend quality time with your child, they learn to articulate their feelings and express themselves well, both of which are cornerstones of emotional intelligence.

20 ways to spend quality time

Here are 20 simple quality time ideas you can weave into your daily routine:

1. Create a rhyme to recite as your child brushes their teeth every morning. This will not only turn a boring ritual into a fun activity but also help you bond with your little one.
2. Potty time can be stressful for many parents. However, if you shed your anxiety around this exercise and get creative with some potty-time stories or jingles, you can enjoy some quality time with them in the toilet as well!
3. Infuse a dose of fun and frolic into your child's bath time instead of rushing through a hurried shower. Plan to wake up slightly ahead of schedule so you have adequate time to give them a leisurely bath. Use rubber toys or bubbles to enhance the experience.
4. Mealtimes are a great opportunity to be with your preschooler and cultivate the habit of mindful eating.
5. When you are driving to a place with your child in tow, it's a good idea to take along their favorite rhymes CD to play on the car stereo and enjoy a sing-along with them.
6. At the grocery store or supermarket, if you can plan to have those few extra minutes built in, you can play a game of show-and-tell with your little one. This also doubles up as an opportunity to teach about various fruits, vegetables, pulses, and grains.
7. At home, you can turn boring chores like cooking, cleaning, or laundry into great opportunities for bonding with your preschooler by involving them in these tasks.
8. Your preschooler's day would not be complete without a trip to the neighborhood park. The walk back and forth can be a time for engaging in a conversation about all the things you see around you.
9. At the park, giving your undivided attention as they climb the jungle gym or slide is sure to make them feel that you care about them.
10. If your preschooler has a routine midday nap, read them a story as you snuggle in bed with them.
11. Preschoolers are very creative and love to engage in pretend play. Join in the fun and enjoy their imaginary world.
12. Add a touch of magic by pretending that their favorite 'blankie' is a magic carpet.
13. Get silly now and then, and imitate different animal movements and sounds to amuse them.
14. Get arty with some old sheets of newspaper. Invite your child to a game of newspaper origami.
15. Play games like hide-and-seek.
16. Show your child the old family albums and use the photographs to introduce them to the extended family.
17. Take your child to the zoo. Explore the world of animals together to make some long-lasting memories that she will perhaps share with her preschooler someday.
18. Pray together. Prayer need not be religious or ritualistic. It can simply be an acknowledgment of everything you are grateful for. Be sure to thank the universe for the gift of your child.  Let them hear how grateful you are to have them in your life.
19. Have a winding-down routine at the end of the day, which can include a relaxing massage, a soothing story, or a favourite song.
20. Make bedtime special. Snuggle close, or have a pillow fight, and add lots of cuddles as you tuck them into bed.

Being focused on your child as you take them through their daily routine will not only make them feel special but will also help you feel loved and cherished because your preschooler is sure to reciprocate with the same unconditional love.

Make every day an adventure with these fun things to do with preschoolers - Click to explore now!