One of the greatest gifts you can give your child is time.

In our wired, multi-tasking world, time is a precious commodity indeed. But you don’t need to go to great lengths to create what we commonly think of as “quality time,” though weekend trips to the amusement park are terrific, too.

Where young children are concerned, it’s just as important to give them quality time doing simple, everyday things together like house and yard work or running errands. (Be prepared to take your time with a toddler in tow.)

You don’t need to try too hard to make every moment special or educational, either. What’s important is the connection, whether you’re folding laundry or going to the children’s museum.

If work and life circumstances prevent you from spending more time with your youngster, you can improve the quality of the time you do have. Try setting aside 20 minutes of one-to-one time each day to really enjoy your child (preferably without teaching or disciplining).

“When you’re really present and focused with your child, it can be a real gift to you as well,” says Nell Robinson, parent educator at Childhaven. “You slow down, or maybe you speed up (toddlers are very busy), but you also start to notice lots of other things about your child. Plus, they will notice more about you.”

In giving your time, you’ll be nurturing the most important relationship of your child’s life. The bond you build together is the cornerstone for your toddler’s healthy development, including his ability to relate well with other children and adults.

Here are some more tips for making time with your toddler:

· Turn off the TV, particularly if no one’s watching. It’s much easier to focus on your child, and vice versa, without that distracting noise in the background.

· The same goes for cell phones and other electronics. Turn them off or tune them out during meals and other family times.

· Get on your knees for some face-to-face play. Your child will eat it up, and you can experience the wonders of being a toddler on a path of discovery.

· Read together. You and your child will benefit as much from the physical closeness as the words and the pictures on the page.

· Let your toddler’s interests lead the way. Into bugs? Take him out into the garden for some digging. Into cooking? Make a simple recipe together.

· Tap into your inner child. Have a picnic in the living room. Play dress-up. Look at clouds. Finger paint. Enjoy this time while it lasts!

Since 1909, Childhaven has been a safe and caring place for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Today, we are a community leader, statewide advocate and national model in the treatment and prevention of child abuse and neglect. For more information, visit www.childhaven.org.