As the school year begins and our children head back into the classroom, many of us parents
feel the tug of guilt. The reality of working full-time often means long days apart from our kids. If
you’re anything like me, you wish you could be at the school pick-up line, but instead, your
children spend their afternoons in after-school care. While I’m grateful for the safe, fun
environment they have, it can still feel difficult, so much time away from my littles.
Over time, I’ve found small ways to make the time we do have together more meaningful. Here
There are a few practices that help me stay intentional with my kids, even when our hours together are
limited:
1. Car Conversations Over Earbuds
The car ride home is precious. I put my phone away and take my earbuds out, even if my
audiobook is at the best part. That time belongs to my kids. Instead of the usual, “So, how was
school?”,which almost always gets me a one-word “good”, I ask follow-up questions:
● “What was good about it?”
● “What did you like most today?”
● “What did you have for lunch?”
● “Who was your favorite teacher today, and why?”
● “How was outside time with your friends?”
feel the tug of guilt. The reality of working full-time often means long days apart from our kids. If
you’re anything like me, you wish you could be at the school pick-up line, but instead, your
children spend their afternoons in after-school care. While I’m grateful for the safe, fun
environment they have, it can still feel difficult, so much time away from my littles.
Over time, I’ve found small ways to make the time we do have together more meaningful. Here
There are a few practices that help me stay intentional with my kids, even when our hours together are
limited:
1. Car Conversations Over Earbuds
The car ride home is precious. I put my phone away and take my earbuds out, even if my
audiobook is at the best part. That time belongs to my kids. Instead of the usual, “So, how was
school?”,which almost always gets me a one-word “good”, I ask follow-up questions:
● “What was good about it?”
● “What did you like most today?”
● “What did you have for lunch?”
● “Who was your favorite teacher today, and why?”
● “How was outside time with your friends?”
Sometimes I’ll hear, “Mommy, can we talk about my day later?” and I respect that. I know the
feeling of being tired after a long day. My only request in return? An 8-second hug.
2. Homework in Shifts
Evenings can feel rushed with dinner, homework, and showers all competing for time. To make
it smoother—and more personal—I use a little rotation. While one child showers, I sit with the
other to work on homework while I cook. Then they switch. This way, each child gets their own
slice of undivided attention.
3. Tech-Free Dinner
feeling of being tired after a long day. My only request in return? An 8-second hug.
2. Homework in Shifts
Evenings can feel rushed with dinner, homework, and showers all competing for time. To make
it smoother—and more personal—I use a little rotation. While one child showers, I sit with the
other to work on homework while I cook. Then they switch. This way, each child gets their own
slice of undivided attention.
3. Tech-Free Dinner
By dinnertime, my partner is home, and we all sit down together—no phones, no TV.
We use conversation cards, talk about what’s happening in the world, recap family
events, or look ahead to holidays and birthdays. Of course, we also dive into whatever
is exciting in their world: Transformers, bugs, the lizard they saw, or the big classroom
drama of the day.
Even though I can’t always be there during the school day, these intentional moments
remind me that my kids are still making meaningful memories. They may not be with me
for every moment, but the time we do spend together is rich, connected, and ours.
We use conversation cards, talk about what’s happening in the world, recap family
events, or look ahead to holidays and birthdays. Of course, we also dive into whatever
is exciting in their world: Transformers, bugs, the lizard they saw, or the big classroom
drama of the day.
Even though I can’t always be there during the school day, these intentional moments
remind me that my kids are still making meaningful memories. They may not be with me
for every moment, but the time we do spend together is rich, connected, and ours.