Social & Relationship · Connection
Be present with kids
DurationEasyEvening
Cue
Arriving home or finishing a task when your child is nearby
Behaviour
Give 15 minutes of undivided attention, following their lead, no phone or multitasking
Reward
A visibly more secure, settled child and a stronger sense of connection for you too
2-minute version
Put your phone in another room and ask your child about their day
Duration
Target: 15 minutes · Evening
15 minutes
What to do
Spend 15 minutes of undivided attention with your child — no phone, no TV, no multitasking. Just being present with them, following their lead.
Why it works
Undivided parental attention builds secure attachment, improves child behavior, strengthens parent-child bond, and models healthy presence. Research shows children need as little as 10–15 minutes of quality focused attention per day to feel valued.
Research backing
Child development research, including work summarized by the American Academy of Pediatrics, shows that as little as 10-15 minutes of focused, child-led attention per day measurably strengthens parent-child attachment and is associated with improved child behavioural regulation.
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