Good quality time

Now that I'm no longer a full time stay at home mother, I really have to wisely manage my time so that I can have time for my family. Besides working as a part time administrator, I also have my ministry and church activities. That already takes 3-4x a week. and I have one special day that I only go out on a date with hubby. I know that all working mothers are very busy and admit it, there are times you feel guilty for not spending enough time with your kids.

I have come to realize that it is not the amount of time you give to your kid. But whether you use that certain amount for some really good quality and bonding time with your kid. You see...we may be in the same house, seeing him in the living room playing his blocks,  while we are doing something else. Yes, you are with him but you are not spending time with him.

Everyday I make sure I have time for my son. and not just spending or wasting time with him but this has to be a real good quality time. How do I spend my quality time with Caleb? I walk with him in the park and while walking, I talk to him, sing to him, joke with him. I create learning time in a fun way so that he can still giggle. We go swimming together or go somewhere else without the maid, just us. and finally, my fave quality time ever is....the bedtime rituals!!! this is when I read books and pray with him before he sleeps. I hate to miss bedtime that's why as much as I can, I try to be home before bedtime.
and Oh..one more...bath time! yes, this is our fun time together too :)

Believe me when you have a good quality time with your kid, you won't ever feel guilty everytime you leave your house. There was one day when I felt so insecured and feeling guilty when I left the house. I felt something was missing. I knew I was spending the time at home but I was tired and I took nap and when I woke up, Caleb was already out at the playground with my maid and before he went home, I already had to leave again. I was thinking and thinking and came to realize that I have not spent any good quality time with my son and that was why I felt guilty leaving him again. It would be a different story if I spent a good time with him, no matter how busy I was, and eventhough I had to leave him again in the evening, I would not feel guilty.
So mommies, it is okay to go to work, to go on a date with your hubby, to have your 'me' time, to meet your friends and so on...as long as you make sure your son get to spend a good quality time with you, you will never feel guilty.