Hello Parents! Heard enough about quality time? Forget psychologists and educationists who cry themselves hoarse about how children need quality time. If you are an average busy stressed-out parent, it will help you to learn that investing quality time in your children will benefit you just as much as them. Perhaps this is a good time for you to forget your worries and enjoy the company of enthusiastic, energetic, laughter-filled kids. Indeed, in the daily round filled with stress, meetings and work pressure, the innocent, joyous laughter of children is the best stressbuster. Most people are unaware that laughter decreases proportionally with age, and stress increases exponentially as people grow older. A baby needs no reason to laugh and gurgle. An infant is joyously appreciative of the smallest discoveries and toys. A preschooler will spontaneously laugh at silly things. But after that, mirth is a downward plunge. By adulthood, laughter dwindles to such low levels that newspapers need to publish research on the benefits of laughter, and its positive effect on mental and physical health. An hour spent with children, giving them full attention, can also help parents to focus on important things in life. Sharing the wonder of discovery with kids by travelling, going on a nature trek, or playing together is a great way to end a long week. So, try devoting more hours to your family. It will do wonders for your well-being. Idea box Bridging the generation gap Enjoy sharing your life with your children in these simple ways. It will help you understand your kids better and draw them closer to you. Rediscover old hobbies. Teach children the joy of flying kites, scrapbooking and playing cards. While kids may show little interest in anecdotes about your childhood games and hobbies, their reaction will be enthusiastic if you engage with them and play your childhood games. Share their joys. Watch cartoons they love, and share their enthusiasm. If you find that some television programmes contain too much violence, and aren’t suitable for children, introduce them to other programmes. Discuss the reservations you have openly. Ask your children to teach you computer games. Perhaps you’ll learn something that you missed in your childhood, and will enjoy sharing her games and activities. You also get to know which programmes need to be avoided for glorifying violence.
