It’s time we stopped banging on about time
FAMILIES now spend fewer than seven hours of quality time together a week.
How I hated that phrase when my kids were young.
What actually is “quality time” anyway?
If you’re in a supermarket with your toddler, talking to them and teaching them the names of items you’re buying, does that count?
Or do you have to be doing something totally child-focussed, wholesome and educational? No one seems to know. Still, according to a new study, quality time is an elusive aim.
Part of the problem, of course, is our obsession with technology.
We’re too busy sticking our kids in front of computers or the TV, or using tech ourselves, to interact.
Guilty. I used to love 10 minutes of peace when Teletubbies was on.
Homework is another huge time-stealer.
I’d ban it for primary age children.
You’re welcome, kids.
Of course children need time and attention.
And if we all got into the great outdoors a bit as a family, that would be a perfect start.
But can we stop droning on about quality time?
The vast majority of parents are doing their best.
And that’s normally more than good enough.