Creating Quality Time

June 2007

Sunday, June 17^th is Father’s Day. This month, Nurse Rona Renner, host of the radio show Childhood Matters and the parenting expert for the Bay Area Discovery Museum, suggests ways that can help all parents connect with their kids while juggling busy work lives.

Q. I work long hours.  How can I feel part of my child’s life even if I’m not physically around for most of his day?

A. Being an involved parent is incredibly important to a child’s well-being. While it may take work to stay connected or be available, it’s so worthwhile – for everyone.

Many dads call my radio show and tell me they’re the ones who help with homework or do the bedtime reading, which are great ways to show your children that you’re there for them. Fathers are also making time to attend school events and doctor’s appointments and, increasingly, I hear about dads staying home with their kids as well.

Here are some ways fathers – and mothers too! — can stay close to their kids:

• Have dinner with your family as often as possible.

• If it’s hard to be home for dinner, take your child out for breakfast once in a while, and have some special time together.

• Bring your children to work so they can see where you go to in the morning.

• Show your kids photos from your childhood; share stories about your life when you were their age.

• Schedule a playdate with each of your children. If you’re far away, talk on the phone or send letters; your child will value all communication with you.

Being a parent brings responsibility and great joy.  If you had a father who was there for you, you know what an impact he had on your life.  If not, this Father’s Day, learn to be close to your own children, and give them a great gift . . . your love and attention.

Rona Renner, RN, hosts the parenting radio show Childhood Matters, every Sunday from 9-10 AM on 98.1 KISS-FM.  Do you have a question about parenting? Sleep?  Setting limits?  Send it to asknurserona@badm.org