Making time for your kids...when you have very little

It seems like no matter what your role is as a parent, there is never enough time. The dishes always seem to need washed, there is always a crisis work, and by the time you get to the end of the day—the kids are usually in be and you are exhausted.

Luckily, there are still things you can do when you are short of time.

 One-on-One Time

Mark your calendar and set aside time to spend individually with each one of your children. Most kids agreed that once a month is just fine for one-on-one time, as long as it is individual attention. Go see a movie with your child, help with baseball practice, anything as long as it is positive attention focused on your child. It doesn't have to be often to make them feel loved, but if you can carve out even a single hour in a month to give personalized attention to your kid, it makes a big difference.

Leave Notes

If your kids are old enough to read, leave notes for them in their lunch box, under their pillow, or anywhere else they'll find it. This is ideal if the only free time you have is after they have gone to sleep, because you're giving them the attention they need without having to be right there at the time.

Let the kids help

Kids actually love helping out—when given a chance. Let your child go with you to get the mail, hang up the laundry, or wash the dishes. Even a small child can be a surprising amount of help once they get the hang of things, and even if they're not perfect they'll sure have fun with the novel experience.

Kids often report that it isn't the amount of time spent with them that is important, but the quality of the time that is spent. Give your children your focused attention when you have time, even if it is only a few minutes during the day. They will know you love and appreciate them, and that's the most important thing of all.