I agree with this and think it is important for Dads to also have one on one time with each of the kids on a regular basis.

I was recently speaking to a grandmother who lives close to her two young grandchildren. She is constantly asking the parents (her son and daughter in law) for one on one time with each of them rather than always being asked to have both for a few hours. Not only is it good for her to be able to do things with each child, but it would give the parents time to do something with the other on a single child basis. She was not asking for less time with both, but rather offering to give more of her time to take each of them separately. I think it is good for grandparents too.

Mother of 4- Thanks for commenting. Good point about expanding this idea to grandparents.

Back in the early 70s, when my parents were making an effort to be better parents, they made the very ambitious goal of taking one child out a week for dinner. They had 5 elementary school children and wanted to spend quality time with each of us to help relieve some of the discord in the family. When it was my turn (I was the number 3 child), they took me out to dinner and then to a violin concert. I still remember that night. I think it was the only time in my parent's 15 year marriage that I was alone with them. I really enjoyed it and even remember what I ate. Sadly, my parents didn't stick with their plan and that one dinner out with them was a solo event. After that it was back to non-stop fighting and ignoring their kids.

If you make a plan, try to stick to it, even if you can't accomplish it every week.

Cheryl, I think you are a wonderful parent and your kids are so lucky to have you.

Neglected kid - Thanks for the kind words and for sharing your story. Great point about sticking with a plan after your kids hear it.