Special Time: Beyond Just One-On-One Time

When talking to families about special time, parents often respond, “I already spend all day with my children.” I love hearing when parents are able to be home and enjoy spending time with their children! I also wanted to highlight some of the features that set “special time” apart and the benefits it can offer to ALL families; whether you are home with your children all day or not. 

What is Special Time? 

Child-directed one-on-one playtime between a parent and child. It is time you set apart in your day specifically to be with your child. As it becomes a pattern in your home, they will recognize it by the title- whether you call it “special time” or whether you name it after your child. (ex. “Johnny time”)

Why have Special Time?

• Strengthens your relationship and builds trust with your child
• Helps your child feel loved and appreciated
• Gives insight into your child’s view of the world
• Can help improve your child’s behaviors
• Provides a safe environment for your child to share their feelings with you

Where to start?

• Tell your child you want to spend more time with them.
• Make it exciting for them by inviting them to pick out what they would like to do with you. OR, here are some tips for adapting special time with a baby.
• If you have other children, plan your special time when they are napping or being cared for by someone else.
• Let your child know when and how long your special time will be – one of the great things about special time is the flexibility to it. Maybe some days you’ll only have time for 5 minutes, but other days you may have 20.
• Use a timer to introduce limits to your special time.
• Get down on their level and do whatever it is they’ve chosen to do (That being said, safety limits are still important).
• Avoid distractions such as cell phones, the tv, etc.
• Pay attention to your child’s emotions and body language- sometimes what they’re feeling and experiencing will come out through play.
• Be engaged during your time with them and when the timer is up, let them know how much fun you had.
• Have fun – make memories!

For more information and tips, check out: What's So Special About Special Time?  and

Guidelines for Special Time