Parent to Parent: Quality Time

WSVN--There's no nine to five for working mom, Nadja Roberts.

She's a nurse at Memorial Hospital West in Pembroke Pines, where her days run well into the night.

But the Roberts family isn't complaining... Well most of the time.

Nadja Roberts: "Sometimes they're understanding and sometimes they're, mommy why do you work so much?"

That's why the Roberts cherish the time they do have together.

Nadja Roberts: "Quantity, it's not enough quantity, but the quality time, we definitely take advantage of that, and usually that takes place on the weekends."

Lynn Martinez: "Between work, children and chores, sometimes it seems like there aren't enough hours in the day."

So if your new year's resolution is spending more quality time with your children... You can make it happen

Dr. Sally: "Quality time is not a specific activity."

But it should be scheduled... Even if it's just 15 minutes.

Dr. Sally says if possible, include it in your daily routine or as often as you can.

Dr. Sally: "So even when it seems almost impossible to schedule a time to interact with your child, keep in mind that its a very valuable thing to do."

And it doesn't have to be elaborate or expensive.

In your own home... You can read, sing, or just talking to your child.

Dr. Sally: "It is the message that you give to your child at that time. One of the messages is you are very special."

You can also do a craft or something that interests them.

Just make sure you devote your full attention... That means no talking on the cellphone.

Dr. Sally: "Spending time with another person is very personal, its interactive and it's very hurtful when something like a telephone rings and interrupts the actual comradery that's been set up."

Also if your work is child friendly, take advantage of the opportunity.

At Nadja's job, Santa recently paid a visit, and the family spent some extra time together.

And finally, make sure you thank your child often...

Show your appreciation...

And tell them how much you love them.

Dr. Sally: "Every minute, every hour, every day is important to the life of a child."

Jordan and Darryll love their parents and their quality time together.

Jordan Robets: "It's special because me and her get to spend some time together and have fun together."

Daryll Roberts: "I like spending time with my family."

And Nadja's making her New Year's resolution come true by going part time.

Nadja Roberts: "Hopefully next year, things will look better so that we can spend more time together as a family."

Lynn Martinez: "You should start scheduling quality time with your child as soon as he or she is born. Dr. Sally says your child will come to look forward to it when they're older. "

E-MAIL QUESTIONS TO:
parent@wsvn.com
Dr. Sally Goldberg's Website:
www.drsallyparenting.com