Dear Joyce . . . How do you make individual time with each child?

Adrea Schiedler Photography

Dear Joyce,

When I heard you teaching, you mentioned special time with each of your kids in the evening.  I assume you meant at bedtime.  We have all three of our kids (ages, 6,4 and 2) in the same room, and they go to bed at the same time.  How would you recommend having special time at night with our living situation?

Madelyn

Dear Madelyn,

It is not as easy if all of your children sleep in the same room.  If that is the only alternative,  you can be creative.  You can hold your two year old while you read books at the level of your oldest children.  Some nights, read to your 2-year-old, and then put him to bed.   You can hold and read to the 4-year-old  in the living room or on your bed.   End the time with your 6 year old so he/she feels special as the oldest.  There are such benefits in having holding, reading, and talking time with each child.  Some nights you can tag team with your spouse – in different rooms.  I would recommend that you give your 6-year-old a bit of a later bedtime than the 2 year old.

Love, Joyce

 

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