If you are a parent, you have probably found yourself saying something similar to, “Just give me one more minute!”

And you’ve probably said, “I will be there in just a second!” more times than you would like to admit. I know I have said both of these things at least one hundred times or more!

Being a parent is definitely one of the best jobs in the world but also one of the most demanding.

Not only do our kids crave time with us, but if you are a working parent, you have to share the 24 hours you have in a day with your job as well.

Then, add in cleaning the house, doing the laundry, cooking dinner, and getting ready for bedtime to the list, and before you know it the day is over.

QUALITY TIME IS POSSIBLE

I have had many days in the last six years with my son where I would go to bed feeling like I barely saw him — the struggle is real!

Slowly but surely I have made improvements, and the greatest ah-ha has been setting aside uninterrupted time to truly focus on him. We both get much more out of one meaningful hour than a few minutes here and a few minutes there.

As a family, we have worked hard to find ways to make quality time together a priority in our busy lives.

I have to admit I feel like we are doing a pretty good job these days, but it definitely has taken focus and attention to make it this way!

Here are 5 successful ways that I’ve maximized my time with my son!

5 WAYS TO MAXIMIZE THE QUALITY TIME YOU SPEND WITH YOUR KIDS

1. BE FULLY PRESENT

This one is easier than you think.

It may not be possible to spend hours of uninterrupted time with your kids every day. But it is possible to squeeze in a little time.

The amount of time really does not matter. What matters is the quality of that time!

Leave your phone and laptop in another room, clear your mind of the day’s stresses, and look into your child’s eyes and connect.

Talk, laugh, and play. Just have fun and be present in the moment. The more you practice this, the easier it will become to turn everything off and just focus on your family.

2. MAKE FAMILY DINNER A PRIORITY

You have to cook and eat dinner each night, so why not get your kids involved!

Kids love to cook and help in the kitchen, and it is a wonderful opportunity to spend one-on-one time with them.

Cooking, setting the table and then sitting down together and sharing a beautiful meal is a great way to connect.

3. LET YOUR KIDS HELP

It is so easy to want to do everything yourself! (Hello, perfectionist!)

Getting kids involved might mean unexpected messes and more time to finish tasks.

However, allowing your kids to help you with chores not only gives them confidence, but it also gives you the opportunity to spend time with them.

4. LEAVE WORK AT WORK

Understandably, there will be times when you need to get some work finished in the evening. But it should not be the norm!

It is important to cut yourself off from answering emails, taking calls, and even talking to your spouse about your workday over dinner. When we are in work mode all evening long, it is much harder to disconnect and be in the moment.

Time with your kiddos is precious. Remember that work will still be there tomorrow!

5. GET OUTSIDE

Nothing is better for both children and adults then getting outside!

Getting outside is wonderful for your mind, body, and soul!

And, it allows children to learn about nature and the beauty around them.

Go in the back yard and search for interesting plants and bugs or simply take a walk around your neighborhood and talk.

IN CONCLUSION

Children grow up in a blink of an eye, and before you know it, the hectic days are gone. Take time to truly connect with your kids now, so you do not find yourself wishing you had later.

We would love to hear what you do to ensure the time you spend with your kids is truly meaningful! Share with us in the comments below!

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