Parents tend to worry about not giving their children enough, mostly referring to materialistic items, often having these thoughts are due to not having enough as a child and wanting to provide a better future for their children. So, to obtain more materially, parents will work more while neglecting quality time with children. This becomes an endless cycle where parents will reduce quality time with their children to buy them a “better” lifestyle. Is it really better though? Therefore, we’ve come up with important points to discuss why you should spend quality time with your kids, instead of focusing on material things.

Time is limited

We have all heard the phrase “time flies” but it rings most true concerning your children. Children require constant attention and care during their first years of life, but from being born to becoming an adult, time goes by so fast that people fail to realize that spending time with children is crucial. Once they become adults they’ll build their own lives and only visit on holidays. This sparks a cycle where you lose your chance to be a part of your child’s life due to missing out on crucial events. Speaking of which, missing important milestones hurts them more than you realize. Children want to celebrate their achievements with you but if you’re constantly away children lose confidence in themselves as they view their work as unimportant as they start to feel that YOU, the parent, are uninterested in their achievements. By being an active parent, children will learn to trust you more, helping break the cycle and encourage visits as they grow older.

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Memories Vs. Gifts

As adults, we tend to reminisce about our childhood, but do you know why? Because we have fond memories of simpler times. Most of the time those memories are about being with family rather than the new toy you got when you were four. Memories maintain a stronger emotional hold on us than gifts do. As a parent creating memories should be a priority since your children will only be young for a short amount of time and, most importantly, those memories are what shape our behaviors as we grow up. Gifts will only hold a momentary joy for children. Memorable activities on the other hand hold more value as children will remember fondly about the activities you did together as a family.

Building Bonds

By spending time with your children you create bonds with them, something a gift is unable to do. We are social creatures who depend on interactions to live, and children during their fundamental learning phase need positive interactions. It’s crucial they participate in all kinds of interactions as being unable to do so can have serious negative effects like inability to pick up social cues, speech impediment, and much more. This can be prevented by providing positive interactions helping them develop emotionally as well as socially.

We know how hard it is to be a parent, especially concerning the stress of providing for your children; however, we urge you to think about spending time with your child as well. Will they appreciate the gift? Sure, however, they’ll remember the little moments that you spent time with them more, from special hangouts to fun little dates. So consider this a push to spend time with your children instead of giving them a gift.

Yatziry Linares-Lozano is a senior at Eastern Michigan University studying Graphic Design. She loves designing and traveling. You’ll see her watching movies/series or playing volleyball in her free time.

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