Psychologist advocates 10 minutes to change a family’s dynamics. A recent study highlighted that over 1,000 parents are spending less than 10 minutes a day conversing with their children due to jam-packed work schedules and household chores. The research, which surveyed 1,000 parents with children aged between 3-11, unveiled that more than two-thirds of parents are missing out on significant interactions with their kids on a daily basis. These missed connections equate to over 1,000 instances of lost opportunities for bonding per year.
Dr. Martha Deiros Collado, a clinical psychologist and renowned author, asserts that dedicating just 10 minutes every day to spending time with your child can yield immense benefits. Dr. Martha emphasises that in the midst of the chaos of parenting, carving out 10 minutes for shared activities can create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds. She believes that these small but consistent moments of quality time can resonate deeply with children as they grow up, shaping their future family experiences.
The study revealed that one third of parents admit to overlooking three or more key moments each day, such as engaging in conversations about their day or playing together. Factors such as work commitments, household chores, school responsibilities, and extracurricular activities dominate parents’ time, leaving minimal opportunities for meaningful interactions with their children. Dr. Martha advocates for creating family rituals throughout the week as a way to enhance bonding moments. These rituals can range from simple weekly activities like game nights, family meals, or outdoor adventures like nature walks.
Smartphones and screens often act as barriers to quality family time, prompting Dr. Martha to suggest implementing phone-free zones within the home to encourage face-to-face interactions. She also recommends prioritising outdoor activities, scheduling specific family time in calendars, and making mealtimes an essential opportunity for connection and conversation. A structured approach to incorporating these practices can ensure that quality time spent with family becomes a regular and valued aspect of daily life.
Rebekha White, Brand Manager of Horlicks, acknowledges the challenges faced by today’s busy parents and underscores the importance of even brief moments of focused attention on children. She highlights how dedicating a mere 10 minutes daily to one-on-one time with children can significantly impact the level of connections parents share with their offspring. This small investment in time and attention can lead to more meaningful and memorable interactions for both parents and children alike.
In light of the research findings, Dr. Martha offers five practical suggestions for parents to reclaim missed family moments. These strategies include creating consistent family routines, unplugging from devices to foster connections, prioritising outdoor activities, scheduling dedicated family time, and making mealtimes a time for shared experiences. By implementing these suggestions, parents can create a nurturing and harmonious family environment that fosters stronger relationships and enduring memories.
Dr. Martha’s advice resonates with the challenges faced by many modern families, where balancing work and family commitments can often lead to overlooked opportunities for bonding. Her insights serve as a reminder of the profound impact that even a short daily investment in family time can have on the overall well-being and happiness of both parents and children. As families navigate the demands of daily life, incorporating these simple yet transformative practices can pave the way for deeper connections and cherished moments that last a lifetime.