It’s pretty clear that 2020 has been a year most of us will be glad to leave in the past. And if you have children at home I’m sure you’ll agree that the start of this highly anticipated new decade has been incredibly challenging from a parenting perspective.
When it comes to children, the days are long, but the years are short. One minute they are tiny babies, the next they are rambunctious toddlers and before you know it, they’re making you proud at school. Life is a little uncertain at the moment, which is why it’s never been more important for us parents to focus on the wellbeing and the development of our children and continue to put their welfare and contentment first. Here we’ll explore some wonderful things to do for your children before the year ends.
Quit smoking
Smoking is a dangerous and incredibly expensive habit. Every flick of ash is a moment of your life you’ve effectively burnt away. This means less time with your children. Not forgetting the terrible health concerns that could leave you unable to fulfil your role as a parent. Quitting smoking and nicotine for good is a wonderful thing to do for your children. To make the transition easier, many people switch to vaping products to help them along their quitting journey – discover nicotine free vape, here.
Giving up cigarettes means a happier, healthier lifestyle and less chance of developing cancers and other health-related issues. So, do it for them!
Switch off your smartphone
It’s not always easy to be in the moment when you have emails to respond to, phone calls to make and messages to answer. However, staring at your smartphone all the time can have a real detrimental effect on your children. They want and deserve your full attention. So, even if you do have deadlines to meet and clients to respond to, find some time to put away your phone and spend some 121 time with each child.
Get more sleep
None of us are getting enough sleep. And a continuous lack of sleep can lead to serious health problems including heart attacks and disease, heart failure, high blood pressure even stroke and obesity. You’re probably also aware of how a lack of sleep can impact your mood, leaving you irritable and snappy. Having a set bedtime routine and avoiding screens at least an hour before bed will help improve your sleep quality – something which everyone will benefit from!
And finally, just listen
Your child is excited to tell you all about their day, a new toy, a computer game or whatever they did at school that day. These stories are often long and drawn out! However, avoid interrupting them or trying to pressure them to reach the end of their tale. Listening intently to what your child has to say will boost their confidence and show them that you’re truly interested in something they like. It’ll make your relationship stronger and you’ll have loads to talk about too!