There’s a saying that goes: Families who play together, stay together. If there is one thing we have plenty of—due to the coronavirus outbreak—is time spent indoors. Every moment spent with family helps build stronger relationships. This bonding time builds confidence, teaches children about positive interactions, and creates wonderful memories that last a lifetime.

Here are a few ways to use the extended family time during the COVID-19 disruption to improve your relationship with your children:

Put down your phone and step away from the computer – those pesky emails will still be there in an hour after you build a living-room fort or a castle with your children.

Participate in meaningful activities together – this way, children learn how to be part of a team, working toward a common goal.

Create a safe and supportive environment – create a non-judgmental setting where children will gain self-confidence. Instead of being critical or micro-managing, let them find solutions on their own, and let them make mistakes. Only offer help when they ask for it, so they develop problem-solving skills.

Catch up with your children and get to know them better – Engage in open conversations with your children and offer a positive response.  Help your children remember why they like you! Here’s a list of fun questions to get them going: https://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/advice/questions-every-parent-should-ask-their-kid/

Help your children be better persons – instill a sense of empathy in your children. Try to involve them in helping an elderly neighbor in the yard or encourage them to use some of their savings from the money jar to donate.

One of the indirect benefits of using this opportunity to spend time with your children is that it improves your parenting skills. Becoming a parent doesn’t come with instructions. Often, it is a discovery process. As a parent, there is no better chance for a positive transformation and to create lifelong memories.