Spending Quality Time with Kids

I remember when I was about to have my youngest, I just wanted to play with my other daughter. It wasn't about doing special things, but about doing the things I knew we perhaps wouldn't be able to after the little one was born. So we played board games, Barbies, legos, colored, etc...because I knew after the baby was born, my time would be limited.

I am glad I did, because it seemed like I never had time to do those things (well, rarely) after the baby game.

Remember: ALL time that we spend with our kids is quality time. You don't have to go set up something special.

Kids LOVE it when we become involved in what they are doing. Playing cars or Army or Lego with your son and letting him lead the play. Playing kitchen or house or dolls (or, in my case, Army) with your little girl. Just going into their room while they're playing...and joining in with that they're doing. That's real quality time because you're showing an interest in their world. It makes a huge impact on their little hearts...and you don't have to go anywhere at all.

♥

C. Lee

I agree with OneLittleBigBoy, make something with them for the baby, a "welcome to our family" gift. Years from now they can share the fun they had making it (they remember, even that young) and your 3rd can feel they were loved even before they were born.

Congrats on your expanding family!

What do your kids like to do? Ask them what they would like to do. What venues are in your area? You could go out for lunch, bowling, mini-golf, shopping for a new toy, swimming, story time at the library, the zoo, the library, and indoor play structure...

I might consider setting up a weekly 'date' with them now that will continue once the baby is born. I can't imagine that if you spend a few hours now, they will feel less pushed aside once the baby comes. I have started taking my son out for coffee once a week. It takes 30 minutes. (I have coffee, he has a steamed milk or occasionally hot chocolate and we share an oatmeal or biscotti). I learn so much more about how school is going, who his friends are, etc than I learn in all the time we play together in his room (which is a LOT). He is 7. I don't think it has to be coffee, but something that would be special one on one time without distractions would be really special for them. It will also give DH/DP some special time with your infant.

Maybe a craft date? My kid loves making any sort of craft, and making one with 100% of my undivided attention is like his dream come true.

Heck, you could even make it a craft for the new baby's room, a welcome from big brother and big sister. Frame it, put it on the wall, display it on the dresser, make them feel like they're doing something super special for the little one!

What do they like? Would they like a special lunch? To go to a museum or kid zone thing? Would they just like some one on one time with you at a park? Make cookies? Do crafts? My DD loves it when we just sit and draw together.