ARE WORKING PARENTS GIVING TOO MUCH TO MAKE UP FOR LOST TIME?

Striking the Balance Between Work and Family

Being a working parent is never easy. Between meetings, deadlines, and responsibilities, there’s always that nagging guilt—"Am I spending enough time with my child?" Many parents try to fill this gap by giving more—more toys, more treats, more freedom. But does it really make up for the lost time?

The Guilt That Never Leaves

Every missed school event, every bedtime story left unread, every "Mom/Dad, can you play with me?" answered with "Maybe later" adds to the guilt. And to ease that guilt, parents often:

• Buy the latest toys or gadgets

• Say "yes" to everything

• Plan grand outings to make up for their absence

• Avoid strict rules to keep their child happy

But deep down, parents know—no toy can replace the warmth of a hug, no treat can replace a heart-to-heart talk.

What Kids Truly Want

Children may get excited about gifts, but what they really crave is you—your time, your attention, your presence. They want:

• A listening ear when they share their little stories

• A warm hug after a tough day

• A shared laugh over silly jokes

• A hand to hold when they feel unsure

These small moments are what stay with them forever.

Making Time Count

The truth is, you don’t need more time; you just need to be fully there in the time you have. Even 15 minutes of real, distraction-free connection is more valuable than hours of absent-minded presence. Try:

• Putting your phone away and truly listening

• Turning daily routines into bonding moments—like talking while cooking or bedtime cuddles

• Choosing connection over compensation—because love isn’t in things, it’s in moments.

The Best Gift? - You.

No amount of gifts or leniency can replace a parent’s love and attention. Instead of trying to make up for lost time, make the most of the time you do have. Because in the end, what kids will remember isn’t the fancy toy or the extra screen time—it’s the feeling of being loved, heard, and cherished.

By, Shivani Sarin

Crystal Children's Centre