Don’t feel guilty about the amount of “quality time” you spend with your family. Some experts are beginning to reject the quality time movement for something much more basic.

Here are some suggestions:

• Children want your undivided attention. When they talk, look at them and engage them in more conversation. Show your interest.
• Listen to their music. Who knows, you might begin liking it.
• Ask them what they want to do. Is baseball their love? Play catch in your backyard, or pitch a few at a local baseball diamond.
• Establish new family traditions. Set a specific time each week for them, like Friday pizza nights or Sunday brunches.
• Develop your family as a team. Give everyone chores and do them together.
• Make one-on-one time with each child. Kids talk more freely when they’re with just 1 parent.
• Watch age-appropriate television shows they choose and then talk about them.