Yes! I date my kids. It’s one of the best one on one activities that we do. In general, I let them pick what they like to do and I model for them making them feel very special.
When kids and family members are in conflict, we highly recommend this activity at the counseling center. We do have specific guidelines. We encourage parents to set a budget and kids are instructed not to use the time to try to get a material possessions or negotiate for privileges. Parents are also taught not to correct their child unless their behavior could result in the need for a 911.
During dates, my kids can ignore table manners, lay on the booth anyway they want, and I treat them the way I would a friend whose behavior I would never correct without permission.
That being said we have a couple other guidelines. We strive to talk to one another kindly, give compliments and work on expressing appreciation. These behaviors are not to be demanded by the parent but to be modeled by them. We find them to be contagious!
Oh! Probably the most important one for all of us – no electronics should be out during these events unless you are using them for interaction like playing trivia or a game like mad libs.
As they get older, we have began to talk about how I expect them to behave someday when they take someone out on a date and also how I want them to be treated.
What are some things you have done with your kids? Today my son was at a school and we went to Chuck E. Cheese and we might follow up with a visit to the library and some Foosball action at the rec center. He also loves to play miniature golf. My daughter likes shopping and getting our nails done – oh and eating sushi for sure.
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