Considering the schedule of today’s busy moms, it’s often hard to find time for that much-needed ‘mommy-daughter’ or ‘mommy-son’ bonding. More often than not, moms are too busy preparing for work in the morning, or too tired for anything else when they get home at night.

Of course, that’s hardly an excuse since spending time with children must be a priority.

Take the case of mommy Cathy Garcia, who makes it a point to always spend quality time with her 6-year-old daughter Ryeca everyday.

“Sometimes it’s really hard to adjust work schedules so I can be with my daughter when she needs me. There are so many things to consider, not just my work schedule, but other things like running the household,” says mom Cathy, who works for a private firm while partly running a small family business.

It’s a good thing though that Ryeca understands the situation saying, “I really like spending time with my mama but I understand that sometimes she can get really busy.”

Even so, Cathy still makes sure that she gets to spend as much time as she can with her daughter. With her schedule, this would seem impossible but she has a fool-proof plan. She turns the most ordinary activities into bonding moments.

“We try to take advantage of every little opportunity to be together. It’s a great strategy for us. Not only do I get to attend to personal things, but I also get to bond with my kids,” Cathy says.

So what are these normal activities that create instant mommy-bonding opportunities? Here are some of Cathy’s secret weapons:

Playing dress-up

Kids, particularly little girls, love to play dress-up. This is why whenever Cathy starts preparing for work in the morning, she lets daughter Ryeca join her.

“There are times when she has no school like during summer when I let her pick out a dress she wants to wear for the day or I let her help me choose my wardrobe for the office and we end-up having an instant dress-up play time. She really enjoys it and sometimes Ryeca pretends she’s a grown-up, about to go to the office as well. Her favorite kikay activity is putting on my make-up,” says Cathy.

She enjoys the instant bonding time because she gets to learn little things like Ryeca’s favorite color and even the clothes she likes to wear. Another alternative is to let your kids tag along when you go shopping. The two of you can have a blast trying on clothes. You can even get your kids to help pick a wardrobe.

Get physical!

Another enjoyable and worthwhile bonding activity is to exercise together. Not only will doing this improve your health and teach your kids a healthy habit, it’s also one way to explore nature.  

“We go jogging around the village park late in the afternoon. It’s usually a short run, about 30 to 45 minutes but we get to enjoy every minute of it,” says Cathy.

The young mom however stressed the importance of proper gear such as comfortable clothes and sensible shoes. Cathy and Ryeca prefer wearing their pair of Reebok jogging shoes. Cathy’s EasyTone Rush women’s trainer shoes drive legs and feet muscles to adapt to the training routines. The technology behind the shoes gives her balance. Ryeca, on the other hand, wears classic Reebok rubbers.

Another pair that Cathy has her eye on is that new Hexride model. With an advance cushioning system, the shoes protect the feet from strong impact.

Study habits!

Studying is not always a time of stress. It can be a way for you and your kids to bond.

“If I have time to be with Ryeca while she’s studying, I make sure that we get to enjoy the chance. I let her choose where she wants to study. If she only needs to read something, we go somewhere comfortable – even on the stairs because we find the place breezy!” mommy Cathy said.

To make it fun, prepare something to munch on. Make sure though that you give them healthy snacks and drinks. Also, don’t forget to take a break in between studying.

“When we’re done studying, I take advantage of the opportunity to ask Ryeca about what she enjoys most in school or what her activities are during the day. This can serve as an opening for her to tell me about problems in school.”

Cathy’s fitness clothes and shoes are all from Reebok. Reebok is available in all Royal Sporting House and Shoe Shop outlets.