You Only Get 37 Minutes a Day With Your Kids. Here’s Why It Matters More Than You Think

By Leyla Moses, Mom, Transformational Coach and Co-Creator of Thrive Together

Parenthood goes fast — faster than we think. A mom and family coach reflects on how much time we really get with our kids, and how to make those few, precious minutes truly count.

Remember When “No Phones at the Table” Was a Novel Idea?

Nine years ago, I heard about a Chick-fil-A franchise in Georgia that offered free ice cream if families would put their phones in a “cell phone coop” during meals. At the time, I thought it was such a great idea — and a little sad that we even needed a reward to disconnect.

That was 2016. Back then, the struggle to put away screens was already real — and now, in 2025, it feels like that snowball has become an avalanche. As a mom of two, trying to balance work, school runs, sports, and homework, I know how tough it is to make these moments meaningful. Phones aren’t just in our hands anymore; they’ve become part of our daily rhythm.

The 37-Minute Reality Check

Recent research tells us that 75% of the total time we’ll spend with our children in our lifetimes happens before they turn 12. Once you subtract school, sports, and other activities, true quality connection can be around 37 minutes a day — out of 24 hours.

I’ll be honest… I worry a lot about that. Some nights, we’re lucky if we manage ten minutes around the dinner table — not just physically together, but fully present. But those ten minutes can change everything.

“It’s not the length of the moment that matters — it’s the intention behind it.”

What Ten Minutes Can Actually Do

When we slow down enough to ask our kids things like, “What was the best part of your day?” or “What are you grateful for today?” something shifts. The eye rolls soften. The phones go face-down.

Sometimes my kids share how they used one of their strengths that day, and suddenly we’re in a real conversation about courage, kindness, or perseverance — not just homework or chores. Those small stories that spill out at the table, the laughter that catches us by surprise — that’s where connection lives.

Presence Over Perfection

It’s not about fancy outings or perfect meals. It’s about intentionally making space to connect, even when life is chaotic.

Those small moments of presence build a foundation of trust, gratitude, and joy that our kids will carry with them throughout their day — and their lives.

If we can reclaim even ten of those 37 minutes each day for laughter, listening, and gratitude, we don’t just make memories — we build resilience. We show our kids that they matter.

Because thriving isn’t about doing more.It’s about being there, together, right now.

Leyla Moses is a mom of three and co-creator of Thrive Together, a science-backed family wellness game that helps families connect through gratitude and strengths-based conversations.