Why Special Time is Encouraging

 

Many parents spend a lot of time with their children.

But not all time feels the same.

There’s “have-to” time — driving to school, homework reminders, dinner routines.
There’s casual time — being in the same room but distracted by phones or chores.
And then there’s special time.

Special time is different.

It’s intentional.
It’s scheduled.
It says, “You matter enough for me to pause everything else.”

And that message is deeply encouraging to a child.

 

Why special time makes such a difference

When children know they can count on regular one-on-one time with you, something shifts inside them.

They feel chosen.
They feel prioritized.
They feel secure.

And when children feel connected and significant, their need to seek attention through misbehavior often decreases. Many behavior struggles are really connection-seeking behaviors. Special time meets that need proactively.

 

It benefits parents too

Special time isn’t only for your child — it’s for you.

Parenting can become full of correction, reminders, and responsibilities. Scheduled connection reminds you why you wanted children in the first place — to enjoy them.

Ten to thirty minutes of focused, uninterrupted attention can reset the tone of your relationship.

 

It makes boundaries easier

When your child asks for attention during a busy moment, it’s much easier to say:

“I can’t right now, but I’m really looking forward to our special time later.”

Because they know it’s coming. It’s predictable. It’s reliable.

That consistency builds trust.

 

How to plan special time

Sit down with your child and brainstorm ideas together. Don’t evaluate at first — just list possibilities.

Later, you can:

• Separate quick activities (10–30 minutes)
• Create a “save for later” list for bigger outings
• Plan longer family activities on the calendar

The key isn’t money.
It isn’t extravagance.
It’s attention.

No phones.
No multitasking.
Just connection.

Special time says what every child longs to hear:

“You are important to me.”

And that encouragement carries more power than we often realize.

 

 

Coach Benjamin Mizrahi
Educator • Learning Specialist • Family Coach • Father • Husband

For more articles and resources, visit www.mrmizrahi.com