Amid daily schedules filled with school, work, and commitments, carving out intentional, meaningful moments with children has become more valuable than ever. While the conversation often revolves around the quantity of time parents spend with their children, it is the quality of those moments that makes a lasting impact.
“Children remember how they felt when they were with you – not just how long you were there,” says Ursula Assis, Country Director of Dibber International Preschools. “A single moment of true connection can shape a child’s emotional confidence and reinforce their sense of belonging.”
Quality time is about focused, genuine interaction. It’s found in the bedtime story told with enthusiasm, the walk through a local park filled with questions and laughter, or the shared task of preparing a meal together. These small, deliberate acts create memories that build trust, encourage communication, and nurture a child’s emotional well-being.
Why Quality Time Matters
Spending quality time with children fosters:
- Emotional security – Children’s trust and confidence grow when they feel seen and heard.
- Open communication – Meaningful interactions encourage children to express their thoughts and feelings freely.
- Self-worth – Undivided attention, even for short periods, helps children feel valued.
- Life learning – Everyday activities such as cooking or gardening provide valuable lessons in patience, kindness, and responsibility.
Ideas for Creating Meaningful Moments
Dibber International Preschools encourages families to integrate purposeful time together into daily routines:
- Transform simple routines into opportunities: Sharing stories during mealtimes, chatting on the school run, or telling bedtime stories can strengthen connections.
- Explore nature together: Whether hiking Lion’s Head, camping in the Drakensberg, or walking barefoot in the garden, time outdoors fosters joy and discovery.
- Create together: Painting, baking, or building a vegetable patch together sparks creativity and strengthens family bonds.
- Focus on one-on-one time: Small acts like fetching ice cream or taking a short walk with just one child can leave a lasting impression.
- Be present: Turn off distractions, listen attentively, and engage with your child in ways that show they have your full attention.
“Children thrive in environments where love is shown through shared experiences, not just spoken words,” adds Assis. “By being fully present in these everyday moments, parents lay the foundation for emotional resilience and a secure sense of identity.”
While extended time together is ideal, what truly matters is how time is spent. Even a few meaningful minutes can have a profound effect on a child’s development. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s presence.
Dibber International Preschools believes that nurturing relationships at home complements the structured, play-based learning environment offered at school. Families are encouraged to focus on connection, not perfection, knowing that each intentional moment contributes to a joyful and well-rounded childhood.
To learn more about Dibber’s child-focused approach to early learning, visit www.dibber.co.za/branches.
