How to make more time for your family
If you were granted one wish as a working mom, what would it be?
For many working moms, it would be more TIME. Specifically, they would like more time to dedicate to their children while still being able to build the career of their dreams. This would open up possibilities to have more time to get things done in the house or to go on an extended vacation without compromising Monday’s work project. Time, time, time.
The reality of being a working mom
But let’s face the reality – there are only 24 hours in the day (6-8 of which are spent sleeping). Then when you work, that is another 8 -10 hours spent doing work related tasks and not being able to give your kids the amount of attention that you would like.
So, if we do the math, that leaves us with a remainder of 6 – 8 hours “free” to dedicate to your kids. BUT then again you still need to prepare dinner, clean the home and get some you time. We are back at square one.
DON’T FORGET TO CHECK THESE BLOG POSTS AFTER:
- The technique of visualization for working moms
- 40 self-care ideas that you can add into your routine
- What is one word you must learn to say for better boundaries
This is what we should be focusing on instead…
We cannot add more time to the day and if we want to/ have to work then that chunk of time will be occupied. So I challenge you to think a bit differently and instead of focusing on wanting more time, focus on creating more QUALITY time when you are with your kids.
In this blog post, I will share 4 different ways to enhance the quality of time spent with your little one(s). It will also show some different times in the day where you can create space for just the kids.
4 ways to make more time for your family
- Dedicate 1 whole day to your kid(s) – or as much of the day as possible! This is something I like to do on my Saturdays. It could be an outing or simply a day at home, cuddling up. That day is sacred, and I set firm boundaries from work or any other responsibilities.
- go to a kid’s amusement or playground park
- go out for a walk around the neighborhood and grab some food after
- visit family members or friends, especially those with other little kids for your child to see and play with
- indoor fun day: video games, movies, play around, baking etc.
- Add some child-led play in the morning before going to work [whether that is 10 minutes or 30 minutes, whatever you can do]. Let your child tell you what he/she wants to do. Follow their lead and enjoy your time together.
- reading books together
- playing make pretend cooking
- running around the house playing peek-a-boo
- drawing and coloring together
- Interact intentionally with your kids for bedtime. That means you put away all distractions: phone, emails, laptop, television, and just do the nighttime routine being 100% present. My son LOVES to read, so I make our nighttime reading super special!
- bath time singing songs
- reading his/her favorite book(s)
- having a conversation about how each of your days went
- cuddle time before falling asleep
- On the days that you have to get things done in the house, incorporate the kids (as able). This includes while you are cooking (have your child mix the bowl) or while you clean the room, give him/her their own little section to clean up (or mess up again). The point is to spend time together. They will love being given little tasks too.
Your kids are a priority
I make my time with my kids a priority! I want to be an actively present parent in their life, so I have to work with what I am given. You can do it all – just not at the same time or same length of time. And that’s okay. You are still self-defining balance for yourself, on your terms [check out this blog of whether we can reach balance]. Your kids will remember the hugs, kisses and times you were there for them.
Additionally, don’t forget that by working and following your passions, you are also setting an example for your kids. Don’t feel bad that you can’t dedicate 24 hours to them all the time. They will understand. You are doing an amazing job and please don’t forget that.
