In between all the things that mom life throws my way, I am working to find quality time in the little moments every day. Over the last year, I’ve been on a mission to debunk the need to create perfect time with my kids. We have busy careers, growing businesses, school functions, baseball games, girl scout meetings and piano lessons. Let’s face it, trying to find time to connect with your kids can be a challenge.
I used to put so much pressure on myself to create “special time” that was outside the home or would even carry a price tag. We make it so much harder on ourselves to deliver the perfect family outing with our kids, yet we forget how much power we have to create the special time at home or anywhere we go.
One of my favorite things to do with my 3 year old, Carolina Jo, is taking her to the grocery store. She loves to tell me all the colors of the fruit, point at the big swing set in the middle of the store, and help me check out. As we shop, we talk about our day, repeat silly songs, and I tell her how much I love her. It’s not an expensive experience or something that takes all day long to do, it’s simply being present and sometimes even a little silly.
It’s that simple! If you look up quality time in the dictionary it is defined as, “time spent in giving another person one’s undivided attention in order to strengthen a relationship.”
If it’s just that simple, why do we make it so hard? I love working with moms because they all have something in common. They all desire quality time with their kids. The interesting thing is quality is defined differently for everyone. Oftentimes the level of expectations are so high to deliver something magical that we forget a simple bike ride, reading a book, going to the park, cooking in the kitchen, or playing a game together can create the connection we desire with our kids.
If you are feeling the disconnect from your kids, here’s something all 5 of us do at the dinner table every night. We play a game of highs and lows. Talk about the highs of your day and lows. It’s simple, easy, and will spark conversation! If you have little kids, play a game of eye spy and make it fun!
If you are wanting more fulfillment in relationships, work, fun and health, I invite you to check out a free one-page downloadable resource, My Life Check-In. This is the quickest way to check in with yourself and increase the fulfillment of work, play, health, and love in your life! Get it here!
There is no “perfect” in quality time, only quality interactions. You can do it anywhere you go!
Hugs & Love Always,
Dr. B
xoxo