Got 10 Seconds?

[From: Young Parents Singapore Magazine - www.youngparents.com.sg]

Not spending enough time with your kids? Almost every working mum (and dad!) feels the guilt. Before you dash off to the office, how about a touch-up that'll bring a glow to Pumpkin's face - and yours - in 10 seconds flat?

Funny smacks

Before darling gets out of the car and just a second after your goodbye kiss, say something like: "Oh, you get 10 kisses today!" Quickly plant the spontaneous smacks all over his face - and maybe one of the tum-tum, too - and hear him giggle.

Have and hold

Give your sweetie a 10-second tight bear hug, A few gentle strokes on his back reaffirm love, security and understanding in the simplest, most heart-warming way.

Present a smile

It can be a cartoon pencil or 3D sticker. Whatever that something small you get for Kiddo on your way home, hide it. When he's asleep, stick a Post-it-note in it that say something like "Surprise! With love and many kind words for today. Love, Mummy" and stash it in his pencil case.

Jar of sweets

Not of gummy bears but a jar of positive mummy thoughts you wrote on small slips of paper. Perhaps "You have a gift for music and I love that about you" or "Thank you for doing your best at school". Fish one out every once in a while and press it in your child's palm just before you dash the door.

Music moves

Turn off the morning show on the radio. Sing and dance to a song that you and your child love.

Say and snuggle

You don't always have to be an authority figure. Bonding with Junior by getting him to snuggle up to you - and opening up with a confession that you've had a bad day or that you need a hug - takes tension and fear out of anyone.