According to the American Association of University Women (AAUW), in 2019, the participation rate of mothers with kids under the age of 18 in the workforce was 72.3%. There are many reasons why mothers may choose to work. Some may need financial support, others may enjoy the challenge and satisfaction of holding down a job, and others may appreciate the opportunity to interact with other adults daily.
Whatever the reason, it’s clear that working mothers are here to stay. And while there may be some challenges that come along with working and raising a family, there are also many benefits. Working mothers often have greater satisfaction with their lives, increased self-esteem, and a greater sense of balance between work and home. In addition, they often develop stronger relationships with their children and set an excellent example of what it means to be a hard worker.
However, being a working mom is tough. You’re trying to balance your work responsibilities with your home responsibilities, and it can be difficult to find time to bond with your kids. Regardless, it’s important to find ways to connect with your children, even if you’re short on time. Here are five ways working moms can bond with their kids:
1. Talk about your day.
At the end of the day, sit down with your kids and talk about what happened at work. Tell them about the projects you’re working on and the people you’re working with. This is a great way to stay connected and help your kids understand what you do all day. For example, if you’re working on a project due soon, you can explain how you feel and what you’re doing to manage the stress.
If you and your kids share a common interest, you can also use that as an opportunity to bond. For example, if you both like to read, you can set aside time to discuss the book you’re reading. This is a great way to connect with your kids and get them interested in what you’re doing.
Just because you’re busy doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun. Even just talking about your day and sharing stories can go a long way toward making your child feel loved.
2. Take them to work with you.
If you have the opportunity, take your kids to work with you for a day or half a day. They’ll love seeing where you work and meeting your colleagues. Plus, it’s a great way for them to learn more about your work.
For instance, if you work in an office, your kids can see how you interact with your co-workers and what kind of work you do daily. If you work from home, they can see how you manage your time and what kind of distractions you have to deal with. Either way, it’s great for them to get a behind-the-scenes look at what you do all day.
And if you work in a more creative field, like art or design, your kids will be especially interested in seeing what you do. They might even be inspired to try their hand at it themselves.
3. Enroll them in summer camps.
Summer camps are great for kids to bond with their parents while getting some exercise and fresh air. All sorts of summer camp activities are available, so you’re sure to find one that’s right for your family. For example, if you have a child who loves sports, you can enroll them in a summer camp that focuses on baseball or soccer. Or, if you have a child more interested in the arts, you can enroll them in a camp that offers painting or dance classes.
Vacations are a great way to bond with your kids and create lasting memories. Summer camps are a great way to do that without taking significant time off from work. Plus, the children will learn new skills and make new friends.
4. Have regular family meals together.
Family meals are a great way to bond with your kids and stay connected. Even if you’re short on time, try to have at least one family meal together each week. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy—just take the time to sit down and eat together as a family. For example, you can have a picnic in the park or order takeout and eat at home.
Family meals are also a great opportunity to teach your kids about healthy eating habits. For instance, you can talk to them about the importance of trying new foods and balanced diets. Plus, they’ll get to see firsthand how you make decisions about what to eat.
Meals don’t have to be big or expensive—they can be anything new and exciting for your family. The key is to spend time together and create lasting memories.
5. Make time for one-on-one time.
Sometimes, all it takes is some quality one-on-one time together to bond with your kids. Whether it’s reading stories together before bedtime or going for a walk around the block, carve out some time each week for just you and your child. This is a great way to connect and create lasting memories together.
One-on-one time doesn’t have to be long—even just 30 minutes can make a difference. And if you can’t find the time during the week, try to set aside some time on the weekends. Just make sure you’re present and focused on your child during that time.
Bonding with your kids is important, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Just find ways to incorporate them into your everyday life and make time for some special one-on-one time together. With a little effort, you’re sure to create lasting memories that your whole family will cherish.
Being a working mom is hard, but it’s important to find ways to connect with your kids, even if you’re short on time. By talking about your day, taking them to work with you, having regular family meals together, enrolling them in summer camps, and making time for one-on-one time, you can bond with your kids even while being a working mom.
