mommy maverick

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, working moms have to juggle multiple responsibilities. From managing demanding careers to keeping the household running smoothly, time can feel like a scarce resource. It’s natural to worry about the quantity of time spent with your kids, but what if I told you that the quality of that time matters more? In this blog post, I’ll explain why focusing on quality over quantity when spending time with your children can have a profound impact on their growth and your relationship with them. I’ll also provide some Mom-Mav quality-time hacks to get you started.

Quality time means being present – giving your kids your undivided attention and energy for short bursts of time. It’s important to clarify that just because you’re around your kids doesn’t mean you are present. For example, you may be doing dishes in the kitchen while your kids watch TV. Sure, you’re around, but you’re not present with or for them. Quality time is more impactful than the quantity of time spent because it allows for deeper emotional and social connection, increased communication and attention, and positive memories.  Quality time also promotes balance in your life and helps to alleviate mom-guilt. With quality time being so intentional and laser-focused, you need only spend 10-15 minutes of quality time with your kids, 2-3 times per day. This is manageable with the help of a few Mom-Mav hacks.

Before your work day begins and when your work day ends, you have to embody mommy mode. It’s important to limit distractions. For starters, put your phone down. Your kids shouldn’t have to compete against your phone for your attention. Work can wait – embody maverick mode during your working hours only.

Create quality-time moments with your kids by including them in your pre & post-work to-do lists. In my house, we do a morning routine to earn a few minutes of TV/snuggle time and at night a dinner prep dance party. You get to create fun, lasting memories with your kids while crossing things off of your to-do list – a win-win.

There are plenty of other creative ways to incorporate quality time into your busy Mom-Mav schedule…

AM: Morning snuggles, prepare breakfast together, breakfast conversation

PM: Leave a special note in their lunchbox, prepare dinner together, dinner conversation, bedtime snuggles, bath-time play, bedtime stories, family game night

Anytime: family art project, family walk, food shopping, exercise, family hugs, read a book, let your kids choose an activity and go all-in, carpool karaoke

One of my favorite quality time activities, especially if you’re a mom with young kids, is a family hug. It may sound kind of silly, but my family loves it. My kids start by hugging each other while my husband and I hug each other (separately). My husband then hugs one of my kids while I hug the other. We switch. And at the end we all come in for a big family hug. Short, sweet, and meaningful quality time. Yes, this counts.

As a working mom, it’s crucial to recognize that you don’t need endless hours to create a strong and loving bond with your children. What truly matters is the quality of the time you spend together. By making the most of your available moments and being fully present during them, you can nurture deep connections, support your child’s development, and create lasting memories. So, embrace the value of quality time, and watch your relationship with your kids flourish amidst the busy demands of your life.

Your Coach,

Kristyn