(Video uploaded 05/2023)

Transcript

Heading: Your Time Counts – Raising Your Child with Positive Parenting

Narrator: Your Time Counts – Raising Your Child with Positive Parenting

The importance for parents to spend time with their child is well recognised, but what is your idea of quality time with your child? Is it joining some special parent-child activities together? Taking the opportunity to teach your child skills? Watching videos with them online? Or having bedtime stories?

Regardless of what you do or how long you spend with your child, what truly matters is that parents can put aside other things, enjoy and tune in to your child.

Super: Delight in Togetherness; D-E-A-R

Narrator: This is what we call Delight in Togetherness, represented by D in D-E-A-R, the 4 elements of Positive Parenting.

Most parents are busy and may struggle to make time to play with their child. By making the most of everyday moments to connect with your child, like playing, having a chat, or singing songs with your child when you are changing their diapers, helping them shower or having a meal together, these could be really good quality times.

When a child starts talking, parents can provide them with more space to express themselves by trying to understand what they want to share, or simply asking, “What are you doing?” What they share might seem silly to you, but by listening you let them know how much you cherish them.

In addition to making use of daily moments, it would be even better if parents could set aside time for parent-child activities every day.

Wondering what to do with your child? In fact, you can start reading to your child even when they are still babies. Pick a colourful picture book according to your child's age. Hold them or let them sit by your side as you read together. Let them turn the pages, ask them questions or have pretend play based on the stories you read. These interactions are more than fun, they also help your child's development.

Some parents may think, “My child wanders off before I can finish a story, is this the right activity for them?” While young children may not be able to sit through the entire story, it is good enough as long as you are both engaged and have a good time together!

Apart from reading, parents may also start with activities that their child is interested in. Does your baby enjoy peekaboo or singing and dancing with you? Older children may enjoy pretend play, while preschoolers may be interested in simple board games.

Children have different needs at different stages. By paying attention to your child's interests and abilities, and following their lead, parents will certainly find something that they can enjoy with them.

Some believe that it takes endless classes and activities to raise a smart child. However, research shows that regular and quality parent-child interactions are sufficient to promote healthy development across areas.

Super: Delight in Togetherness

Narrator: That said, the most important question is… Have you spent time with your child today? Remember to enjoy the moments and Delight in Togetherness!

To learn more about the elements of Positive Parenting, watch the other videos in the Parenting with DEAR series. You could also visit the website of Family Health Service, Department of Health at www.fhs.gov.hk for more parenting resources.

This video is produced by the Family Health Service of the Department of Health