“It takes time to build relationships with your kids.”

A thought by Zig Ziglar (2003-01-01) from his book, Zig Ziglar's Life Lifters (p. 95). B&H Publishing. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

And time is so important to them. As Zig says, “Parents must take time and get more involved with their children. For a child, love is spelled T - I - M - E.”

Time is important. He also says, “A recent study by the Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) found that parents are the keys to keeping their kids off drugs. However, they point out that just having mom and dad around is not the solution within itself, but what mom and/or dad do is important. That importance is dramatically increased when both mom and dad take time to build relationships with their teenagers.”

He goes on,” It begins with loving them unconditionally—not because they are handsome or beautiful, not because they are obedient, etc. Any time you put a condition on your love, you are raising a child who is insecure. Insecure kids typically seek the wrong company and get involved in destructive activities. It takes time to build relationships with your kids. They need to know that your conversational door is always open to them.”

He goes on, “The survey showed that teens are far more likely to talk to mom than to dad. Fathers, take time to build relationships with your children. Less TV time and more talking and listening are critical. Eating together makes a huge difference. Even two or three meals a week together will substantially curtail drug use, sexual activity, and violent acts.”

He then shares, “Other research indicates that if we start the day with our children properly and end the day properly, the time in between will go better. Getting up just ten minutes earlier and slowly and lovingly awakening the children is infinitely better than the last-minute routines that involve fast (or no) breakfasts, short tempers, and the stress and anxiety that accompany a rushing household. Those extra minutes give the family a more leisurely breakfast and time to be kind and affectionate with one another. At bedtime you turn the TV off and listen to countless ridiculous questions, designed primarily to delay bedtime. After a few minutes of silliness the frivolous talk generally ends. That's when your child reveals what is on his or her heart and bonding takes place.”

Some very good thoughts on a very important subject.

So how much quality time do you spend with your kids?

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