I work out of the home full time, so I am constantly trying to find ways to make the most of the time I am able to spend with my kids. I have recently seen a lot of comments from social network friends (because I haven’t had much time for face-to-face friend time lately) about not having enough time with their children. Unless the number of hours worked outside the home changes, the focus really needs to be on what to do with the time you do have.
Listed below are seven tips I follow to make the most of the time I am with my kids (many from Dallas Moms Blog past posts!).
- Don’t Over-plan – I list this first because it has been my biggest hurdle. Since we rarely get out to explore and enjoy all of the wonderful things the city has to offer during the week, I have been guilty of trying to schedule every minute of our weekends. One Saturday we stayed home…all day. We played games in the house, did some artwork, played in the yard and even watched some movies. It was one of the best days we’ve had as a family in a long time, and we needed that precious time with no distractions.
- Unplug – No doubt you have seen various articles and posts about moms on the iphone. I know I use my phone to catch up on personal emails, check social media sites and even do a little shopping. Heather wrote a great post about balancing the use of the smart phone and being present with your kiddos. I honestly didn’t realize how much I use my phone in front of my kids until they got old enough to tell me to put my phone down. Even worse, one of them recently told me that they needed a minute to send an email when I asked to help me with a puzzle.
- Don’t Over-commit – We are very fortunate to have so much family and wonderful friends live close to us, but sometimes this means our precious weekend time can get booked with birthday parties, playgroups and grandparent visits. While all of these things are important and a lot fun, it is ok to say no if you have had a few continuous busy weeks and weekends. Just like we need time with our spouses and time for ourselves, our kids need time with just us.
- Use technology– I know, I just said to unplug so let me explain. Use technology such as skype and face time for yourself and other family members. If I have to work late, I may have a quick face time session with the kids so I can connect with them on some level. Same with family. Even though we have local family, we may face time with them in lieu of an in-person visit.
- Multi-task– Take the kids to run errands, have them help with laundry and preparing meals. You can even explain your work to them if you have to plug in during the evening or on weekends. I have learned that they just want to be involved and be around you. My kids LOVE the grocery store. Jamie recently wrote about surviving the grocery store with toddlers. They also love Target, Best Buy, etc. When I was in graduate school, I would read my assigned readings to them. Now when I need to work from home, they sit with me and either color or play “work” on their laptops. These aren’t typical “fun” family activities, but we are together and engaged in activities.
- Indulge them – One of my favorite posts is Jamie’s advice to be a “Yes Mom.” The lesson pops in my head when my kids request to paint, play in the sandbox (read: things that are messy) or play loud musical instruments (read: things that are loud). Sometimes it is so refreshing to just say yes and watch the kids light up with excitement.
- Play hooky– This is my very favorite. I will occasionally take a day off to just hang out with my kiddos. We all love having this time in the middle of the week when we least expect it. If you can’t take an entire day off, try going to work a little late or leave a little early. I love taking them out to breakfast before work/school or getting yogurt and heading to the park before the sun sets. They are only little once, and as you know, the time flies! Make the best of it when you can.
What are some ways you make the most of the time you are able to spend with your kids?
