Just one thing.

My friend was at home, recovering. I offered to bring groceries, or a perhaps a cooked meal. I inquired, what do you need?

One word response: Time.

Her pointed response stopped me: the one thing I couldn’t go and buy or cook and deliver.

TIME: THE PRECIOUS COMMODITY IN OUR LIVES THAT PASSES BY WHETHER WE ARE PAYING ATTENTION OR NOT. SO PAY ATTENTION.

During parent conversations last month, I was frequently asked: What can we work on at home? What can we do to help with our child’s development?

Valid and important questions, which engendered the answer. Just one thing.

Spend time together.

• Read a variety of books. Repeat the favorite ones. Let them read to you.
• Do a cooking project. Sensory experiences are messy and fun.
• PLAY inside and OUTSIDE; knowing the natural world is essential.
• Take field trips around your neighborhood and town. Go explore more.

THE ONE THING YOUR CHILD NEEDS IS YOUR PRESENCE; PUT THE PHONE AWAY. Follow their interests and desires, listen carefully. Extend their language and use new vocabulary words. Talk through everything you are doing. Laugh.

Give the gift of your time and presence this holiday season to the people you love.

Seize the day.

Article from NY Times: Screen Use Tied to Children’s Brain Development