Quality love

Holding his phone and engrossed in scrolling, Mr. Thanh Cong (an industrial electrical engineer residing in Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City) was startled when he heard his 5-year-old daughter's voice, pulling at his shirt: "Dad, put down your phone and come play with Soc. There's no one to play with, and Soc doesn't find anything fun."

It seems like a small matter.

Glancing quickly at the phone screen – where the movie was reaching its climax – then down at the floor where his little daughter had scattered all her toys, Mr. Cong caught her sweet, pleading gaze. He smiled and put the phone aside. Immediately, the little girl's eyes lit up as her dad seemed ready to join in.

The little girl excitedly pulled her dad into her miniature "kitchen" with a gas stove, refrigerator, pots and pans, vegetables, fruits, dishes... Everything was toys, but meticulously arranged like a real kitchen. The two of them began their imaginary feast, filled with laughter.

Like a little shopkeeper, the little girl's clear voice rang out: "Please choose your dishes!" then she continuously introduced the menu, from main courses to desserts, urging her father to choose quickly. It was just a pretend game, but seeing her father enthusiastically playing along, the little girl couldn't hide her radiant joy.

"Previously, whenever my child asked to play, I was usually busy with my own things, so I just sat beside them without really paying attention. I just thought that as long as my child was having fun, that was enough," Mr. Cong admitted.

Children always want their parents to be present in their activities.

As for Ms. Ngoc Anh (an office worker residing in Hiep Binh Phuoc ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City), although she regularly takes her child to the park or playground every week, she has often been startled by what her child says. Usually, she lets her child choose their own games while she observes from a distance.

"I think just being nearby to react quickly if anything happens is enough," she shared. If her child finds a compatible friend, they'll have a lot of fun playing, even forgetting about their parents. But sometimes, when her child beckons her to play, she blurts out, "Go ahead and play." Seeing her child playing alone, she tells herself, "They're having fun, it's probably okay." At that moment, she takes the opportunity to browse her phone or chat with other parents.

One day, her 6-year-old son suddenly said, "Whenever I ask Mom to play, she always says she's busy or tired. Maybe she doesn't like playing with me?" She was speechless, not knowing how to answer her son or herself.

Accompanying your child

In modern life, not all parents have enough time to both help their children with homework and be present during playtime. Many families find themselves in a situation where one parent shoulders all the childcare responsibilities, while the other chooses to relax with their phone or television, leaving the child to play alone.

The phrase "quality play with children" is increasingly mentioned, understood as dedicating time to children in a meaningful way, creating a deep connection between parents and children. It's not just about "being present" with them, but about truly participating, listening, and exploring and learning together.

The most important aspect of playing with children isn't just how long it lasts, but how you play. Even a small amount of time, when used correctly, can become precious moments that strengthen family bonds, nurture a child's soul, and contribute to the formation of a healthy personality and emotional well-being.

This has been confirmed by Mr. Cong himself. Every day after work, instead of using his phone for entertainment, he usually spends 20-30 minutes playing with his child.

"I feel that my child is not only happier but also really looks forward to these playtimes. There are things I didn't understand before, like changes in my child's interests, emotions, and psychology... but now my child loves to talk about them because I'm listening," he confided.

The lesson Ms. Anh learned is that you can't be there to play with your child whenever they want. However, you can choose a specific time of day and decide which game each parent will play with the child.

For example, her son loves building blocks and Lego, so she assigns that role to her husband. Meanwhile, she actively engages in conversations and role-playing games with the child.

Ms. Anh also shared that during such times, she would assign her child some light tasks to help parents, making the child feel more trusted and willing to participate. She considers this an effective initiative combining learning, playing, and doing with her child. Everything then gradually forms good habits for the child.

Playing with your child doesn't need to be perfect or full-time. Most importantly, children always want to feel genuine affection and positive companionship. Even just 15-30 minutes a day, if you are truly present, without phones, emails, or distractions, that time will leave a deep impression on your child's soul. That's how to raise a child with love, starting from the simplest things.

MINH KHOI

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/yeu-thuong-chat-luong-post799529.html