In This Present Moment: Quality Time Ideas for Busy Parents
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About this ebook
Quality time. Two words that make a parent cringe or get excited and perhaps even evoke a sense of guilt. This book explores the concept of quality time - does it matter and what does it look like? In this busy age with time-poor parents and so many views about what quality time is, some have found that it does not mean more time, it is all about the moment. This book contains a variety of personal experiences by parents with very differing lifestyles and with children of all ages. Contributors include teachers, bloggers, business owners, writers, therapists, a psychologist and early childhood experts. Funny, surprising and practical stories for parents with children of all ages.
Eleanor Formaggio
Eleanor Formaggio B.A.S.S (Counselling) is a business owner, parent educator and speaker and has been assisting parents and children since 2001. She lives in Sydney, Australia with her husband and three boys.
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In This Present Moment - Eleanor Formaggio
In This Present Moment
Quality Time Ideas for Busy Parents
Eleanor Formaggio
Copyright © 2012 by Eleanor Formaggio
Parent with Potential Pty Ltd.
Australia
Smashwords Edition
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage or retrieval system without prior permission in writing to the publisher and individual story contributor.
Story contributions by Emma, Jacqui Honeywood, Kirsty O’Callaghan, Emma Dabb, Renee-Veldman Tentori, Narelle Ramey, Amanda Cox, Jodie Maher, Jaki Valensi-Lauper, Rachel Power, Tahlia Mandie, Renee Mill, Sally Thibault, Aimee Edworthy, Emma Swan and Carole Disseldorp.
Disclaimer: Statements, opinions, suggestions and ideas or information expressed in this book are those of the author and/or individual story contributors. They are not intended to render professional advice or services to the individual reader and do not replace personal consultation with an appropriate professional or specialist. The author and story contributors will not be held responsible for any claim, loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any information or content of this book. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this book is complete and accurate. However, readers should be aware that Internet Web Sites, contact information or details about story sources and contributors may have changed or may no longer be available between the time this was written and when it is read.
ISBN: 978-0-9874500-0-5
www.facebook.com/inthispresentmoment
To all parents who are time poor and tired but living richer lives because of their children.
Being a parent is hard work but it can also be rewarding. We learn what it is to be humble, to be proud, to be thankful, to be fearful, to be strong, to be courageous, to be daring, to be the example and to be in the moment.
It is in the little things and small moments of time with our children that we find pleasure in being a parent.
CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
INTRODUCTION
1 QUANTIFYING QUALITY TIME
DO CHILDREN NEED IT?
WHAT DOES QUALITY TIME LOOK LIKE?
PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS
THE EIGHT MINUTE CHALLENGE
2 QUALITY MOMENTS BY EMMA
3 CREATIVE RELAXED APPROACH
4 BALANCE AND UNITY
5 QUALITY NOT QUANTITY
6 BUSINESS AND FAMILY BALANCE
7 MASSAGE + PHYSICAL TOUCH = QUALITY TIME
8 REAL MUMS, REAL FUN, REAL TIME
9 RELAXING, MUMMY & DADDY TIME
10 THE BUZZ
11 FAMILY ON THE ROAD
12 IT iS THE SIMPLE THINGS THAT MATTER
13 RENEE MILL SAYS ….
14 WISE MOTHERS – IT’S QUALITY NOT QUANTITY
15 BETA KIDZ
16 EASIER PARENTING
17 AUNTY EMMA SAYS
18 THE NEXT MOMENT
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This book started with a vision to join with other parents to share stories about what goes on at their homes. I believe that each of us has a story and can contribute to the lives of others.
I do not know many of the people who contributed to this book, although through this book and through the process of collecting stories I have got to know some of you and I admire all of you for your incredible dedication to parenting, your children and to this project. Also, for sharing your stories to enlighten, empower and inspire others. Your stories are the reason this book exists so thank you.
To my friends who have listened to me talk about the idea and patiently supported me.
Thanks too, to my own family my husband, Marco, and our three boys, with whom I love spending time and who make me aware that every moment counts.
INTRODUCTION
Do you often think: Am I doing enough? What can I do to enhance my child’s self esteem? What more can I do with my child? Perhaps you think, I just don’t feel like I see my child enough. There are nott enough hours to spend with my school age child. Maybe, you feel guilty that time spent with your child is mostly spent yelling at them. You are not alone! Or, perhaps when you finally make the time and have a moment to spend with your child, they would rather spend the time with someone else or be somewhere else. Every day, every week someone feels just like this.
Have you ever wondered what other parents are doing or what the professionals or parenting consultants do with their children?
I do not know about you but I learn from others. I like to hear how others have done something.
This book is not just my story but a book that shares many stories of parents spending time with their children. I have found stay at home mothers, bloggers, parenting experts,