Spending Time With Kids

According to the Washington times:

• 1 in 10 children live with both parents, and 84 percent live with only their mother.
• Even as the country added 160,000 families with children, the number of two-parent households decreased by 1.2 million.
• Fifteen million U.S. children, or 1 in 3, live without a father, and nearly 5 million live without a mother.
• In 1960, just 11 percent of American children lived in homes without fathers.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/dec/25/fathers-disappear-from-households-across-america/?page=all

Daddy

Many times when raising kids so many questions seem to arise. One in particular that seems to be common is: Why is my child being bad?

My son's name is Kevin and he loves spending time with me, my husband, and pretty much anyone he has spent time with in the past. At the age of 2 he already knows who he can trust and who he can't. There are times when he gets mad and upset at things we may consider to be small issues. For example, not being able to go outside, not having his favorite food, not seeing his daddy or mommy for long periods of time. One thing I know for sure is that we don't give enough credit to children. They are so sure about their wants and needs.

Henry, my husband is a very active person and loves to play soccer. He plays with my son in our backyard at least once a week. if it is raining they play inside. This too was something that I noticed about both of them, both loved to play soccer. It seemed as though they would bond so much in the little time that was spent playing any sport.

This made me realize how much my son values the time that is spent with his Dad. There were times he would get more angry and fussy when he didn't have this time with his Dad. It made me realize not only was my husband his provider he was his friend. After realizing this I would plan a day during the week where both of them would do some kind of activity, just the two of them. When I started doing this Kevin began to act better and all together be a more happy child.

Never underestimate the time that you spend with your kids. It might not be as memorable to you but to your child, trust me, it is precious time that will form their character and benefit everyone.

According to Luke Rosiak, income is the primary predictor, the lack of live-in fathers also is more common in the African American community more than in any other race.

Among blacks, nearly 5 million children, or 54 percent, live with only their mother. Twelve percent of black families below the poverty line have two parents present, compared with 41 percent of impoverished Hispanic families and 32 percent of poor white families.

I challenge you to change this statistic!

The best piece of advice I can give to any growing family is:

• Have a male role model in your kids life
• Have patience with your kid
• Listen to what they have to say
• Make sure they have an important role in your life

According to the Washington times, the spiral continues each year. Married couples with children have an average income of $80,000, compared with $24,000 for single mothers.

Many will either agree that a male role model is essential in a child's life while other will continue to believe that it doesn't matter. What it comes down to is the child and it's needs. Today there are so many kids that are insecure an this has to do with not have a father in their life. From personal experience, the absence of my father in my life cause insecurities that i still face with today. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Don't let you child grow up without a male role model in their lives. This will make sure that child grows up to be a strong and secure person who can conquer anything that comes their way. Good luck and God Bless!

It is very important that you teach your kids their culture. I remember as a kid all the different events we would have thanks to our Hispanic friends and family. This is something showed me who I was as a person; my likes and dislikes were the same as some of the ones that I experienced as a child.

You have to be careful of you kids copying other kids or not knowing who they are. It is your job to tell them who they are and who to be when they are no longer living with you. I always remember the words of my mother telling me to always have one face and be transparent. This is something that I am reminded of everyday.

Kids are like sponges the first five years of their life. It has been said that we as human beings learn 93% of everything we will know the first five years of your life.

• How are you spending your time?
• Is it benefiting you more?
• Do you maintain your cool when you get upset?

Being emotional about our kids is normal, the key is to have a positive outlook on how you can and will be with time and effort. Then next time you have that special time with you kids always remember that they will not stay small for long and don't waste your time because you thing tomorrow they will be there.

Another important aspect of having quality time with your kids is what you show them. I have always thought that the best teacher is an example.

• Are you following the rules you set for them?
• Are you understanding when things go wrong?
• Do you forgive yourself for failing in the past?

Only you can know the answers to these questions and you will be the one who reaps the benefits of all the time and effort you put into raising your children.