As we think about spending time with our kids, there are two schools of thought. One says we have to spend "quality" time with our kids, and the other says that we have to spend "quantity" time with our kids. In other words, one group says make it good, meaningful time and the other says just make it a lot of time and it doesn't really matter what you are doing. As I look at kids and families, I don't see that there is any difference between the two. In fact, I think without one you cannot have the other. What do I mean?
To quote one of my favorite movies, "let me 'splain, no we don't have time, let me sum up." (Inigo Montoya, Princess Bride)
What is quality time anyway? What does it mean to spend quality time with someone? Well, I wasn't sure so I looked it up. Where you ask? Only on the most reliable source on planet earth...Wikipedia. And according to the all knowing Wiki quality time is "time spent with a loved one that is in some way important, special, productive or profitable." So I have to ask, what makes something one of those things? I am not sure I know the answer. Is it possible to know what is going to be special to your kids before you do it? Is it possible to plan what things are going to leave great memories?

So there is no way to have quality time without quantity time. If you only have time for your kids when you plan it out to be a great memory, then you will miss out on the little moments that make all the difference. Those small things may seem small but in reality they are huge. I was planting flowers the other day and noticed that some of the seeds were about the size of a grain of sand and yet I knew that when that plant grew and a flower bloomed from it, it will make a huge impact in my yard. If you want to have a huge impact on your kids, don't limit yourself to "quality" time. Instead, let's begin to spend quantity time with our kids and see what the impact will be.
I completely agree with this. There are times when to me it seems like we are doing the most mundane thing, and one of the boys will turn to me and say, "This is the best day ever!" and I am completely surprised!
ReplyDeleteAs the English would say "spot on old chap." I think you explained this topic very well. Some of our most precious memories are when we did not plan it. Like being snowed in with 12 kids in the house and having them play Spoons. Good memories.
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