One of the questions I ask myself often is, “How can I help my kids feel loved and connected when I can’t always give them my undivided attention?”

As much as I would love to say we have dedicated one-on-one time every single day, the reality is that it doesn’t always happen. Sometimes the baby skips a nap. Sometimes my toddler skips a nap. And because of my husband’s work schedule, I’m often solo parenting for long stretches of the day. If you’ve ever felt guilty because you didn’t have uninterrupted one-on-one time with each child, I want to reassure you connection doesn’t only happen during big moments. It can be built through small, intentional moments throughout the day.

First Thing in the Morning

Before we jump into breakfast or the morning routine, I try to intentionally reconnect with my kiddos first thing when they wake up. Most of the time it’s cuddling for a few minutes in their bed or mine, followed by a big hug and a big kiss before we get up and out of bed. My morning greeting is often, “I’m so happy to see you this morning” or “I’m so excited to see you” and the way my son’s face lights up is a the best start to the day. That is when he wants mommy to wake him up. Sometimes I am met with “NOOOO, I wanted daddy to wake me up”. In that case, I say “Oh you really wanted daddy to wake you up huh? You really love your daddy and he loves you too! Daddy is at work, so mommy is here.” I used to take it a little personal, but my husband is a pretty cool guy so I get it!

After Nap Time

Another great time to reconnect is after a nap. When my kiddos wake up, I greet them with a big hug and usually get some cuddles in, similar to how I approach them in the morning. I’ve noticed this little pause often helps the rest of the afternoon go more smoothly. Depending on what the baby is up to, I try and greet my toddler without the baby. His room is right next door, so I will put him in his crib with a safe toy he can play with while I spend a couple minutes with the toddler. Don’t worry, I am not leaving the baby completely unattended, I can see what he is doing on the monitor.

Bedtime

No matter how chaotic the day has been, bedtime gives us another opportunity to reset. We read books, cuddle, pray together, and talk about our favorite parts of the day. It’s one last chance to fill their cup before they fall asleep. Before we say goodnight, I will say what I am excited for or looking forward to the next day.

It’s the Little Moments That Matter

I’ve learned that filling my children’s cups isn’t always about finding an uninterrupted hour to play.

Sometimes it’s:

• A hug or a kiss.
• Making eye contact when they are speaking.
• Getting on the floor to play.
• Telling them, “I love being your mom.”
• Saying “thank you.”

These little moments may seem ordinary, but they add up. If you’re in a season where you’re stretched thin, raising multiple children, or parenting solo without much help during the day, remember you don’t have to do everything perfectly to make your children feel loved. Connection is built one small moment at a time. And sometimes, those ordinary moments throughout the day become the ones our children remember most and you will too.

With Gratitude,
Angie
Moved by Motherhood