If there’s one important realization moms had in the past year and a half in quarantine it’s this: Even when at home, moms are busier and more exhausted than ever. Moms are working from home, managing the household, and even homeschooling their kids — and with this crazy schedule, it’s no wonder they feel too drained to do anything more.
But hear this out: No matter how exhausting your day can get, it is important to dedicate a few minutes each day to bond with your children.
Celebrity moms Chesca Kramer, Jolina Magdangal, and Denise Laurel, recently shared how they carve one-on-one time with their kids no matter how busy their daily schedule can be. The videos they posted online shared a common insight: Bonding with kids doing simple, day-to-day activities may be the best route to take!
In fact, research shows that children value regular quality time with their parents more than the rare, over-the-top bonding moments. Experts advocate for daily parent-child bonding, even for just 20 to 25 minutes.
Here are some lessons we can learn from Chesca, Jolina, and Denise on how to squeeze in quality time with the kids at home:
1. Be hands-on with your children's learning
The video shared by Chesca shows that she’s not the only one dealing with busy days. Her kids, particularly her eldest Kendra, experience them as well. While the mom is doing back-to-back shoots, a workout session, and meal preparations for the family, her daughter is caught up in academic and extra-curricular activities — she has a drums class, an arnis class, a ballet class, and also a panel report to prepare for.
To spend time together, Chesca makes it a point to help Kendra on her panel report. On top of guiding her daughter on the activity, the mom sees to it that her child takes breaks to keep her from being overwhelmed.
Just like Chesca, you can take advantage of the learn-from-home setup and have regular check-ins with your children about their education. Help them out with their homework and school projects, and even share snacks and drinks during study sessions!
2. Spend time hanging out and having fun
In her video, Denise opens up about how she easily feels tired in the morning, even when she just started working. However, it’s important for this mom to stay boosted because she doesn’t want to disappoint her son, Bukie, when he asks her to hang out with him.
In Denise and Bukie’s case, she prefers they do something that is both fun and physically engaging. For example, if Bukie wants to play a video game, the mom compromises by choosing one that requires them to be up and moving. This way, she is able to incorporate some physical activity and movement into their bonding time.
If you don’t know what you and your child will enjoy doing, don’t be afraid to try numerous things: watch movies or cartoons, play board games, or even ride bikes together. The important thing to remember is to be open to your children’s invitation to hang out. As the saying goes, “Minsan lang sila bata,” so maximize this time when kids prefer to be with mommy over anyone else!
3. Share your hobbies with your children
For Jolina, taking care of plants isn’t just a hobby or a way to de-stress, it’s also an opportunity to bond with her son, Pele! In the video she posted online, the actress-host shows how the two of them re-pot cacti in their home garden. She even teaches Pele the ins and outs of the process, from preparing the soil to decorating each cactus pot.
If you’re a "plantita" like Jolina, why not consider planting a way to have quality time with your child? It’s an educational activity, too, since kids will learn about taking care of plants, being responsible and patient, and caring for Mother Earth.
Just in case plants aren’t your thing, you can also read books, cook, bake, or even paint together. By sharing your hobbies and interests with your children, you are not just allowing them to get to know you better, you’re opening the door for them to learn and possibly enjoy new things!
Now, are you game to make one-on-one time with your kids a regular thing? Here’s a quick tip from the three moms: If you know you have a particularly busy day but you still want to squeeze in quality time with the kids, don’t forget to give yourself a boost!
Along with eating balanced and nutritious meals throughout the day and keeping up with their daily workout, Chesca, Jolina, and Denise are turning to their go-to drink, Nutriboost!
Nutriboost is a delicious and nutritious milk drink that has vitamins and minerals to help you stay physically boosted, when partnered with a balanced diet and an active lifestyle. It has vitamins B6 and E, and Zinc to help strengthen immunity; calcium to help build strong bones, and vitamin B3 to help combat fatigue.
Even better, kids like it, too, which is why these moms love to drink Nutriboost with their children whenever they spend time together. It comes in three delicious flavors — chocolate, strawberry, and orange.
Life at home has never been life at pause. But, as you adapt to the lifestyle changes brought about by the current situation, make sure to spend quality time with your kids. Even if it’s just a few minutes, what’s important is you are fully present all throughout. And on extra-hectic days when you #GATAStayBoosted, give yourself that extra boost with the help of Nutriboost, with proper diet and exercise!
Shop Nutriboost online here. For updates, follow Nutriboost Philippines on Facebook.
ASC REFERENCE CODE: C063P091621NS
