Wellbeing

Dear Families,

Where does the time go? 

In my house, it’s usually spent in transit from one activity to another: netball, basketball, cricket, training for said sports, play dates, parties… It’s a common story in many households. Our kids are busy, and so are we. In those moments, it can be hard to take a breather and connect. We tend to be as exhausted as they are, and that affects the time we spend with them.

Child psychology experts will tell you that 'quality over quantity' is what counts with kids. The more quality time we spend with them, the greater the positive impact on their wellbeing, behaviour, and academic achievement.

By 'quality,' the experts mean undivided attention. Time spent together watching something, creating, reading or even, if you live in my house, recreating pro wrestling moves. These everyday events are more meaningful in the long run than the big ones like travel, fancy dinners, or gifts.

The theory is easy; the practice is hard. When I find myself building Lego, playing a board game I really don’t want to play, or watching a dance routine that is clearly being made up on the fly, I say aloud, 'Thanks for the one‑on‑one time!'

Then I wonder, 'Where does the time go?'

Sam Younes.