As a working mom, my daily schedule is always packed with meetings, deadlines, and household chores. I barely have time for myself, let alone my family. However, I realized that I was missing something crucial in my life – bonding time with my children.

One afternoon, while I was on a conference call, my 5-year-old daughter began tugging at my sleeve, asking me to play with her. Annoyed at the interruption, I shooed her away and continued with my call.

But the guilt soon kicked in. I realized that I had been neglecting my children’s emotional needs. So, I made a conscious effort to create a bonding routine with them.

Every day, after I finish work, I take my kids to the park. We play soccer, have a picnic, and have fun on the swings. During this time, I make sure I am fully present with them, putting away my phone and work thoughts.

I also introduced a family game night, where we all play board games or cards together. My husband was initially hesitant, but soon got on board as he saw how happy it made our children.

As we continued to bond over these little routines, I noticed a change in our family dynamic. My children seemed more content, and our relationship grew stronger. I started to enjoy my time with them as well, and it helped me de-stress from work.

The power of bonding cannot be undermined. It has taught me that family time is essential for a healthy and happy life. Though my work schedule remains hectic, I now prioritize my family, making sure we create these memorable moments that will last a lifetime.