The Joy of Sharing Quality Time and Emotions with Children

In a society that upholds patriarchal norms, it is typically expected for women to solely take care of household chores and children. However, my life deviates significantly from this norm. As a Dual-role parent, I am tasked with the dual responsibility of caring for my elderly parents, my son, and managing the household. This role becomes even more challenging due to my 8-year-old son, Rewansh, being diagnosed with Autism in 2019. Despite these challenges, the joy and fulfillment I experience from spending quality time and sharing emotions with him are unparalleled. With this article, I aim to highlight the importance of these moments and encourage all parents, regardless of their circumstances, to cherish and prioritize the joy of sharing quality time with their children.

My Idea of Quality Time

Quality time with children is essential for their emotional and psychological development. It helps build trust, understanding, and a strong parent-child bond. For me, spending time with Rewansh has been both a necessity and a joy. I always create room for Rewansh’s daily activities like puzzles, scooty rides, helping with his homework and teaching him swimming. Though these are simple activities, but the time spent working together, guiding him, and watching him succeed; creates memories that I cherish. These moments reinforce how critical it is to invest time in activities that bring us closer together.

Quality time doesn’t always require grand gestures or elaborate plans. Sometimes, the most meaningful moments are found in everyday activities like brushing his teeth in the morning, giving him a bath, taking a walk in the park, watching his favorite poems or cartoons on TV. These shared experiences not only strengthen our bond but also teach valuable life skills and provide a sense of security and love.

How Spending it Works for Us

Sharing emotions with children is equally important. Expressing feelings openly fosters a healthy and supportive environment, allowing children to feel understood and valued. When Rewansh was diagnosed with Autism, my world was turned upside down. I remember feeling a mix of emotions—grief, confusion, and an overwhelming need to understand and support him. By sharing my feelings and allowing him to express his own, we created a space of mutual understanding and support. 

Parent’s physical proximity develops a sense of security and aids to the development of children. I always make sure to hug to my son two to three times during the day, especially when I leave the house for work and when I come back. My son is always welcomed and given space when he has melt downs, is angry, or is irritated; as I understand that he needs his cooling period. I try to create an environment where emotions can be freely expressed, which helps children to learn to navigate their own feelings. It teaches them empathy and compassion, as they see how their parent handles emotions. This emotional openness builds resilience and a strong foundation for future relationships.

It’s Not Always Easy

Dual-role parenting comes with its own set of challenges, from balancing work and home life to managing time and emotional availability. Raising Rewansh alone has required meticulous planning and a solid support system. After his diagnosis, I spent countless hours researching Autism, attending seminars, and seeking advice from experts. My parents, friends, and even my workplace have been incredibly supportive, allowing me to manage my responsibilities more effectively.

I remember a particularly challenging time when my work schedule was demanding. I worried about missing out on important moments with Rewansh. To overcome this, I set aside specific times each day for us to connect, especially every morning and evening. I continue to follow this practice today, maintaining a daily timetable for both myself and my son to ensure we spend quality time together every day. This consistency reassured my son that, despite my busy schedule, our time together was a priority.

Prioritizing Quality Time is The Key

In summary, the joy of sharing quality time and emotions with children cannot be overstated. These moments are the building blocks of a strong, loving relationship and contribute significantly to a child’s development and well-being. As a dual-role parent, I’ve learned that the effort to prioritize and cherish these times is always worthwhile.

I encourage all parents to embrace these opportunities, regardless of the challenges they may face. The benefits of investing time and emotional energy in your children will resonate throughout their lives and yours. Remember, it’s not about perfection but about presence. Every moment spent together is a step towards a deeper, more meaningful connection.

By sharing my journey, I hope to inspire other parents. I hope, they  recognize the importance of quality time and emotional connection with their children. Despite the hurdles, the rewards of being there for your child, celebrating their achievements, and supporting their unique growth story are immeasurable. Embrace your journey and cherish every moment, for it is these moments that create lasting bonds and profound joy.

Follow my journey on my Instagram handle Happily.Single.Dad