Spending one on one time with our children

I was asked recently a question that I have been asked many times over the years, “How do you spend one on one time with each of your children?” It’s a very valid question to ask when we have ten children.

The first thing that makes one on one time possible is the fact that we home school. Having our children home with us all day provides those one on one times that we would not have if they were gone to school for 6 – 8 hours a day, then add in a couple hours for homework, dinner and bedtime routine and our day would be gone.

Besides homeschooling we try to make sure we always take a child with us when we run errands. This may not be very glamorous but we can still have some great talks in the car going to Costco! Every moment can be special if we choose to make it that, even grocery shopping. Children just love being with their parents!

Duane is great about taking one or a couple children on fishing trips or to the shooting range. They love taking turns going with Daddy! Duane is one of the most selfless men I know. His hobby is truly his family and his children. Everything he does for fun he has in mind the kids. He very rarely goes somewhere without children in tow!

Spending time with Mama may not be as exciting as shooting guns but I still aim for time with each of my children in less spectacular ways! We have a little bistro set up in our room and over the years that has been the place of lunch dates with children. This is a sweet time to eat and chat one on one with the kids. They all take turns and they get excited for whosever turn it is even if its not their turn!

Then there’s teenagers! lol Why is it that all those deep heart to heart talks happen just when I think I get to go to bed? I have learned that early bedtimes really are not reality with teenagers and I’m ok with that. I’ve given myself permission to sleep in if I need to because it’s so much more important to forgo a bit of sleep and have a chance to see deep into the heart of one of my girls. Those late night chats are special and I’m so blessed to have them.

With having 10 children one on one can be a challenge at times. We have to make it happen. Some of my children are so into their siblings that they don’t seem to really care if they have to much one on one with Daddy and Mama, but then there are others that really need that time more. Sometimes we can just tell that someone really needs their cup filled and we will make sure we find time to get them alone and talk or maybe just get an ice-cream and sit quietly in the car eating it. It doesn’t have to be fancy or elaborate. Children just need time, our time.