Life 

There’s no time like family time

In a recent Australian survey, children and teenagers said they wanted more family time above anything else.

Spend time with your chickies before they take off and leave you with an empty nest and wondering where the time went.

Most parents realise how wonderful it is to hang out with their children. Yet jobs, household chores, socialising and worries can gobble up our time and energy, leaving the kids short-changed. 

It’s your job to be there

You won't want to find yourself looking back amazed at how quickly it went, and realising you should have spent more time enjoying your children’s company. What’s more, as a parent, it’s your job to be around to your children, giving them the love and attention they crave.

And be square

As well as being (hopefully) a good role model, you can be a good frame of reference as he or she is exposed to the influence of peers and popular culture. Yes, he or she might tell you that you’re old and boring and what would you know, but what they don’t tell you is that they also consider you their rock and they’re hugely grateful you’re around when things go pear-shaped for them.

They don’t need or even want you to be a rock star, join the SAS or run for parliament. They just want you to be around and to do stuff with them. It doesn’t have to cost money. When they’re little, read stories together, build cubbies out of furniture and sheets, play goodies and baddies in the back yard. Have a water fight with the hose. Go for nature walks or a trip to the park or playground. 

But don’t get left behind

As your kids get older, heading towards teen years, make sure you keep up to speed with their interests. Listen to them and discuss stuff with them. Read the same books as they do, go to movies together, try to share an interest such as fashion, football, swimming or computer games.  

Make a habit out of doing something together: like going for Saturday coffee at the local café, baking biscuits; golf; walking the dog; a game of Wii, tennis, abseiling, or whatever – so long as you’re into it and it gives you a chance to talk and share, it doesn’t matter.

These shared experiences are not only fun, good for your mental health and great for bonding, but they also give you the chance to observe and pick up on any warning signs that all might not be well in your child’s world.