Work weeks are hectic. You get home between 5-6p and have to make dinner, do the dishes, give baths, do homework and put the kids to bed.
Where’s the quality time?
With a little planning working moms can create quality time with their kids and still get the necessary chores done. It’s all about being intentional with your time and prioritizing what’s important.
8 WAYS WORKING MOMS CREATE QUALITY TIME WITH THEIR KIDS
1. TAKEOUT
The easiest way to gain a little extra time in your busy work week is to schedule a takeout night. Order a pizza to pickup or be delivered when you get home. Make it a picnic in the living room your kids will be sure to love. Best part? No dishes.
2. GAME NIGHT
Plan a family game night. My kids love playing Go Fish!, Chutes and Ladders, and these other family friendly games right now. The games go quick and they have such a blast interacting with us without phones or any other distractions.
RELATED: How to Deal with Working Mom Guilt
3. EVENING WALK OR BIKE RIDES
If it’s nice outside, the kids will either go in the double stroller for a walk or hop on their bikes for a quick ride around the block. When we’re strolling we point out different things we see in neighbors yards or sounds we hear. It’s a great time to ask about their day versus the dinner time grilling session.
4. WORKOUT
The family that works out together, stays together right?! Ha! My kids love grabbing the 2 pound weights and doing a workout video with me. It’s hilarious to watch and teaches them valuable lessons about health and their bodies. Plus they just love doing what mama does.
5. COLORING
One of my kids’ favorite things to do is color. They love when I sit down for 10-15 minutes with them to draw and color. Adult coloring is a huge hit lately and I definitely can see why. It’s so calming and therapeutic after a hectic work day.
RECOMMENDED: 5 Tips for Managing Life as a Working Mom
6. TREAT NIGHT
Plan for a crockpot meal to save time on dinner prep and clean up. Afterwards you’ll have time to head out for an ice cream date or even just popsicles on the front step. Doing activities out of the typical norm count as special time for kids. They think it’s the grandest treat of all!
7. COOK TOGETHER
If you’re really pressed for time during the week, start including your kids on dinner prep. Let them stir a pot, mix the sauce, or cut some veggies. They love to feel valued and included in what you’re doing. Setting the table is also a hit with my little ones.
8. JUST PLAY
Put down the phone. Forget about vacuuming your scheduled room for the day. Set it all aside and give your kids 10-15 minutes at their level just playing. This is the best quality time you can give your children. Build LEGOs, play dress-up, tea party, or have a pillow fight. The more involved you get, the happier your kids will be.
This question of how to achieve quality time in such a short amount of time available during the work week comes up frequently in Mom support groups. Your kids don’t need grand, elaborate plans with you. They just want your attention after a long day apart. Get them involved if you really feel you can’t step away from the household chores, but I promise with a little planning all these tips are achievable and realistic! It’s all about prioritizing and making it happen. Being present and engaging does wonders for your soul and their well-being.
If you find yourself thinking someone you see on social media has incredible balance with work and family, I can promise you they most likely don’t feel that way. We’re all just doing the best we can and setting priorities.
Keep on being awesome mama. One day at a time.
