I work a lot. A lot of hours. A lot of tasks. A lot of emails. Sometimes, it feels like a lot. But most of the time, it feels normal. It is my rhythm, and my kids do not know anything different.
Luckily, I have a partner with a flexible job, a mother who lives nearby, and a close-knit neighborhood full of carpools and spontaneous playdate offers. The logistics of our lifestyle work out 95% of the time, and I am proud of the childhood my kids are having.
The only times I feel discontent with our circumstances are when I feel disconnected from my kids.
You know those days.
You conquered the to-do list. The lunches are packed. You remembered to wash the soccer jersey. The red shirt for Spirit Day is laid out the night before. You ordered the birthday gift for Saturday’s party.
Check. Check. Check.
Then you crawl into bed and realize the only interactions you had with your kids all day were administrative.
“Did you check your blue folder?”
“Wash your hands before you sit down.”
“Give your sister back her keychain.”
Woof. I hate that feeling.
I entered parenthood so excited to be a mom. Even though I know I am doing a good job, I sometimes find myself asking: Am I actually enjoying it?
Turns out, a lot of parents feel this way.
In my parent coaching work, I have had so many conversations with working parents trying to figure out how to “ace” parenting. Social media certainly does not help. It feeds the perception that everyone else is doing more and doing it better.
The elaborate back-to-school breakfast spreads. The perfectly styled playrooms. And do not even get me started on birthday parties.
But do those things actually make you feel more connected?
Maybe.
Still, I would venture to say that most of the parents I talk to do not find the answer in doing more. They find it in feeling more.
Genuine connection is what makes you feel like you are really doing it right.
And genuine connection is often built in the smallest pockets of time throughout the day. The in-between moments. Getting out of the bath. Riding in the car. Walking into school.
Microdoses of connection became my signature, and I found that this idea really resonated with parents.
No need to do more. Just be intentional.
Connection can look simple: a thoughtful question, a secret handshake, a silly ritual.
One client shared that their three kids take turns deciding the “seating chart” for dinner each night. I thought that was brilliant. Someone gets a special job. Every night feels a little different. A tiny ritual that belongs only to their family.
How connecting is that?
This philosophy is what sparked Backpocket & Co.
My business partner, Erin, shared my belief that no one is doing it all, so why aspire to that?
Together, we created a line of products designed to offer inspiration and permission: permission to keep things simple, meaningful, and rooted in connection.
You are already a great parent.
Give yourself permission to lean into simplicity and prioritize the moments that actually bring you joy and connection.
