How Busy Parents Can Make Time for Their Kids

Busy South City parent, educator and volunteer Eso Romero has a full schedule and has to work to make time for everything in her life. She works with other parents regularly in her role as secretary of the Sunshine Gardens PTA, and today, she shares her tips for how to make time for and support your kids in the midst of your busy life.

With the daily challenges of holding down a job and raising kids in today’s world, it can be difficult to stay connected to your child. When the work day is done, you must get the kids settled back home, prepare dinner, get them to bed in time, and if you’re lucky, have a chance to relax after they’ve gone to bed. In the often chaotic and busy moments, it’s important to take a step back and remember: your children won’t be children forever. Take a deep breath and make the time to connect with them. Here are a few tips:

• Limit screen time. It’s easy to have the kids entertained by the TV, computers, iPods and video games, but that’s vital time that could be spent interacting with them. Consider using screen time as a treat. You may want to prescribe a certain amount of screen time per week, so that your child is clear about your expectations. 
• Cook with your kids. Sure, you have to get dinner going after a long day at work. But why not involve the kids? It’s not only an opportunity for them to learn new skills, it’s a chance to brush up on a bit of math, learn about nutrition, pick up a family recipe or two, and spend quality time with mom or dad.
• Eat meals together. In the morning rush off to work and school or the evening rush of dinner and bedtime, it’s important to teach your children to take the time to sit and eat, not inhale and dash. Mealtimes are perfect for sharing highlights of the day and connecting with each other.
• Create a routine. Besides brushing teeth and getting into pajamas, add a special activity to the routine. Reading a book together, playing a board game, singing or just catching up on each other’s day are great ways to conclude the day with a positive interaction.
• Be present. The reality is adults are just as seduced by technology and can get caught up with their computers and cell phones. Put those away and devote your whole self to your family. If the phone rings, let it go. That’s what voicemail is for. After all, once our kids are grown, we will miss the time we had with them, not with our devices.

As busy parents, we have a lot of demands on our time – all the more reason for us to carve out and protect as many minutes in the day as we can for our kids.  Add some of these ideas, and some of your own, to your daily routine.  And above all, have fun!

Eso Romero is a learning specialist in San Francisco and also works with children with learning disabilities in her private practice. She's also a member of the South San Francisco Moms Council, a group of local parents that advises Patch about how to cover schools, parents and kids and community. If you're interested in joining the Moms Council, send an email to drew@patch.com with "Moms Council" in the subject line.