You spend a lot of time with your kids. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or a working one, you take care your child’s needs from sunup to sundown. But you might be neglecting one unique need your child needs you to fill: They need to have fun with you. They also need one-on-one time with you. Both of these needs can be filled with regularly scheduled parent-child time.

Here’s how a regular one-on-one with your child can improve your relationship, along with a few ideas on how to get started.

If you were trying to get to know someone you were interested in romantically, you’d take them on a date. Similarly, a date with your child can help you get to know them better. It’s amazing what you can learn when you spend individual time with someone else. From sharing their favorite ice cream flavors to learning about their best friend, you child is more likely to open up when it’s just the two of you. A regularly scheduled one-on-one with your child means intentional time with them that helps them feel special and loved.

The hardest part about instituting regularly scheduled time with your child is just getting started. Pick a day or time when you both with have time free. Pencil it into your calendar and make it regular (for example, once a month). The most important thing is consistency. Your child will love knowing they’ll have your undivided attention and will love looking forward to that time.

Speaking of undivided attention, put down your phone! Like you would on a more traditional date, be present. Focus on getting to know your child better. Although it might feel a little awkward at first, you’ll learn to cherish that time together.

Not sure what to do on a one-on-one with your child? Anything! The sky’s the limit. Don’t worry about picking the perfect activity, just make it something you’ll both enjoy. Your one-on-one can even just be a trip to the store. Here are some ideas:

• Get ice cream
• Cook a meal
• Go miniature golfing
• Go swimming
• Go out for breakfast
• Work on a project together
• Go to the movies
• Bake something
• Go to the park
• Practice a sport (shooting hoops, playing catch)
• Take them to a restaurant they love
• Have a picnic
• Go golfing (and let them drive the cart)
• Check them out of school early or for lunch
• Go to the zoo or aquarium
• Create something together (a craft or meal)
• Develop a shared hobby
• Go hiking
• Go fishing or hunting
• Take them to the store
• Go on a bike ride

Establishing a regular time to take your child on a date can do wonders for your relationship. It’s the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with just them. Your child is much more likely to open up about themselves and the things that interest them. You’ll create lasting memories together. You might even find yourself looking forward to your dates long before they happen.

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