Have you ever found yourself trying to make dinner, fold the laundry, make a phone call (all at the same time), and your child is in a state of melting down because of it? They need you to get them a snack, they need help, they want you to play with them, the list goes on.

As parents, it’s normal to feel like you have to be busy and multitask at all times in hopes that you get everything done on your to-do list. But, do you notice a shift in your kid’s behavior when you are distracted by a million other things? Maybe they have more tantrums, or get frustrated more easily?

If this sounds all too familiar, what if I told you that there was a SMALL thing you could do right now that would make a MASSIVE difference in how the day goes for your child and you?

Anyone can do this small thing. No crafting required, no supplies needed. All you need is you, your child, and 10 minutes.

How to Spend 10 Minutes of Connection With Your Child

The first step to spending 10 minutes with your child, is to actually set aside 10 minutes. Schedule these 10 minutes a day into your calendar. It may feel like you don’t have the time, but I promise this small investment is SO worth it. These few minutes will continue to pay you back all day long.

During these 10 minutes, put your phone away. Turn off ALL of the notifications on your computer and tablet.

STOP multitasking. Set a timer for 10 minutes and sit down with your child.

Acknowledge how distracted you’ve been. Acknowledge that you are scheduling time just for them, nothing else.

Tell them that for the next ten minutes you are ALL theirs. Explain to them that you will not look at your phone or answer a quick email.

Now, connect with your child in a way that feels best to both of you. This could be:

Reading a book
Drawing a picture
Wrestling
Building a tower with blocks
Singing a few songs
Going for a short walk around the block
Having a conversation

It could be anything, but what matters is that you are completely present with your child.

(If your kids are older, check out this blog for some ideas on how to better connect with them!)

It may be tempting to check out after a couple of minutes and start doing a mindless chore, but resist the urge; Emptying the dishwasher can wait!!

Force yourself to sit, connect, and engage. Fill their bucket with your undivided attention.

These moments of pure connection are the foundation of parent and child relationships. To be honest, your child probably isn’t going to remember what you made for dinner every night, or that the bathroom towels were always folded perfectly.

What they will remember, and what will set the tone, is how you connected with them. Kids thrive off of connection and the feeling that you are completely present.

Children NEED connection and their cups to be filled. When these needs are met, they are able to self-regulate, learn more effectively, and have fewer meltdowns.

If you find yourself feeling stressed, a disconnect from your kids, or even if your kids are driving you crazy, remember that these ten minutes are enough to set the tone for the rest of the day. Not only will they help your child, but they will help you too.

Even in pre-pandemic times, it was rare that we were intentional about these true moments of true connection (myself included).

I speak to you from the standpoint of a mama and an educator when I tell you that these intentional moments of connection go a long, long way in terms of behavior.

You’ll be surprised how just 10 minutes can reset your day.