My children come first, the rest of the world can wait. That’s how it is and how it will always be. Children are the brightest stars in the sky, my priority, and my first thought in the morning.

“Every moment spent away from the ones I love is a waste of time.” – J.R.R. Tolkien

Unfortunately, I can’t give them all the time I want. So, I am committed to creating magical moments—where time stops and I can say: “My children come first, the rest of the world can wait.”

Looking back and trying to recall a happy moment from our childhood, the first thing that comes to mind is undoubtedly a pleasant episode spent with family—with our mother, father, siblings, and grandparents. And this happens for a very simple reason: our brain is wired for social connections and gives more importance to childhood moments when we felt close to our loved ones, who truly cared for us.

As we grow up, we learn to value small moments and personal interactions. However, when we are children, this never happens because there is only a natural need for “shared time,” and the greatest desire is to be with our parents.

The Quality of Time We Give Our Children Shapes Their Future

Our children should see the world through a soap bubble. They ask impossible questions, draw their dreams, paint the moon green and the sun purple. They want to dive into our eyes as we tell them a story—or two, or a hundred. We can’t do this every day, seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day. But today can be a good day to “pause time” for them.

My children are my priority, but that doesn’t mean I neglect myself. They will always be at the top of my list, but we must remember that no priority can truly be fulfilled if we don’t first learn to prioritize ourselves.

Only by taking care of ourselves can we give our best to others—especially to those who matter the most, our children. That’s why investing in personal growth, self-esteem, and mental well-being is essential. This doesn’t mean neglecting your children; it means caring for yourself so you can care for them even better.

Additionally, don’t forget that besides being a mother or a father, you are also a woman or a man in a relationship. Don’t lose your individuality—cultivate your sense of humor, take time for yourself, and continue to dream.

By doing so, you will continue to grow as a person within a shared journey. My children come first, but our psychological well-being and emotional fulfillment make it much easier to provide happiness, balance, and security for them. They need undistracted attention and endless nights filled with laughter.

Children must understand and feel what true commitment is.

Regardless of age, even a child can sense whether the bond with their parents is genuine. They do this through the attention they receive, the closeness, the comfort, the touch, the tone of voices…

Even if you feel like you never have enough time, even if you juggle two jobs and only get to see your children in the morning and kiss them goodnight, it’s crucial to make the most of those small moments.

What your children will remember in the future is whether, amid the chaos and endless responsibilities, you made time for them and paid attention to them.

Love is simpler than we think—it lives in a warm hug and a reassuring word.