Give your kids a few minutes of you. I get it, at the end of the work day, you return home exhausted and your second shift is just beginning. We all have carpooling, events, practices, and errands. In all the busyness of day-to-day life, it's easy to leave special moments unnoticed. No matter how little time you may have, it is important to find even fleeting moments to make your children feel cared for and loved.
Being intentional with your time takes effort. I am lucky to be able to work from home when I am not traveling, so when my kids get off the bus at the end of the day, I always try and give them my full attention, even if it is for only 15 minutes. We get caught up, talk about their day, and have a snack--together.
It's a nice break for me, and my kids feel my interest. But don't forget to refocus--they get started on homework and I get back to work. This may sound like such a small amount of time, but many studies report a small but very focused attention is far more valuable than an hour of distracted time. Think about it: what do you remember about some of your most important conversations? I bet it was usually when you felt like you were really being listened to, when you felt important.
Below are a few of my favorite ways for working moms to quickly and effectively connect with their kids: Ask caring questions each day like "How was your day?" or "What happened in math?" or "Tell me about this picture you drew." This one is the most important--shut your phone down and really give them time to answer.
Wear the special something they made for you.
Proudly display their artwork in important places (my favorite is my home office).
Give lots of hugs.
Call home to give good-night kisses if you're out.
Take a walk together.
Let them stay up 15 minutes past their bedtime watching something special.
Read a book together.
If you follow these ideas, you will be on your way towards being super present with your children and a very proud working mom. You don't have to do them all at once, maybe just one a day or even two. You will find that these special moments will replace technology once and for all and it will be worth it.
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