“I wasn’t getting to their heart because I hadn’t logged enough quality time to earn the collateral to discipline.”
Jamie Hopkins
This is definitely a struggle we all face as parents, figuring out how to get quality time with each of our kids. As soon as I say quality time there will be another camp that will push back and say it’s all about quantity.
We are saying the same thing. It’s not the big extraordinary moments that grow and develop the relationship with your child. It is the extra ordinary moments over the long haul that build a strong relationship.
I heard one dad mention how he would just go and sit in the room with his kids while they do an activity. He may not even engage with the activity they are doing but is just simply present.
I have tried this myself and it’s amazing what happens. The first few times my kids were a little suspicious I was up to something but once they realized I just wanted to be around them they relaxed. The amount of impromptu conversations this activity creates has been a huge benefit.
The idea is the same as how you build a deep friendship. If you only show up to help them move, then they probably aren’t calling you late at night when they are facing a major crisis. Deep friendships are built over time by consistently showing up and just being present.
How can you log quality time with your kids today?
Listen to the full interview with Jamie Hopkins HERE