Reduce Distractions to Stay Engaged With Your Kids 

For well-rounded, healthy kids, they need you to be engaged with them. This will 
improve their mental health, and can even help with their overall wellness. Reducing 
your own distractions is a really good way to start becoming more engaged in them.

Be Present When They Are Talking

When your kids get home from school, it is usually when they are excited about the day, 
and want to tell you about what they did or learned. This is a good time to be present 
and really pay attention to what they have to say. It is wonderful for your kid’s self 
esteem when they know mom and dad truly want to hear what they have to say, follow 
along with their stories, and chime in when appropriate. Always have an open ear ready 
to listen to your kids, instead of constantly being distracted by other things.

Put the Phone Down

Your cell phone is probably one of the biggest distractions that keep you from paying 
more attention to your kids. It is hard to stay engaged with them when your nose is 
constantly in your phone. Of course there are times when you need to look at it, like 
answering an important text or checking your calendar. But when your kids want to have 
play time with you or are telling a story, turn the phone off and put it down for a while. 
Your kids will notice that you are putting in an effort, which is huge for their confidence 
and mental health.

Reduce Screen Time

This isn’t just for the kids, but for you as well. If you want to spend more quality time 
with your kids, cooking meals and going on family walks, there is really only enough 
time when you reduce some of the other unhealthy activities you might have. Reduce 
their TV and computer time during the week so that there is extra time for engaging and 
socializing with each other. This is good for their mental and physical health.

Find Activities to do Together

Finally, think about some activities you can participate in together. This might be 
walking the dog in the evening after dinner, teaching them how to cook or bake, or 
playing outside over the weekend. Take them to the lake to fish and go hiking, or just 
help them with their homework while the TV and cell phone is turned off completely.

