Editorial: Spend time with a child
Published 8:57 am Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Spend some time with a child today, or at least this week.
The child could be your son or daughter. He or she could be your grandchild, your niece or nephew or your cousin. Someone has a child in your family, and that kid probably deserves a visit from you.
Working adults living with children between the ages of 6 and 17 spend an average of 45 minutes with their children daily, according U.S. Department of Labor statistics. That’s an average, so that means on weekdays, time spent is quite low.
Just imagine how much that number drops off for adults who don’t live with children. Could they contribute a bit, rather than running around with their friends all the time?
Here are some ideas:
Visit the library.
Go for a bike ride.
Fish.
Fly a kite.
Take a hike at a park.
Rent a canoe at the state park.
Go swimming.
Play a game.
Dine at a restaurant and talk.
Or better yet, ask the child what he or she wants to do.
Quality time spent with a child teaches them that they are special and builds confidence. It is good for them to learn from various adults, not just their two parents.
Mark a day and make the commitment to that special child. Go on your own adventure. You’ll always have those memories. You won’t always have time.