16/04/2026
The power of 15 minutes…
There’s so much to do and so much to achieve that sometimes we get caught up in it all. We need to pay bills, we want a better life for our children and extended family… we work so hard to make it happen.
But I’ve learnt that amidst all the tasks and deadlines, there is power in 15 minutes.
Even as I work from home, there are times I’m so engrossed in making plans and creating content that the emotional needs of my sons feel faint and far away.
Then I hear: “Mummy, you’re not listening to me.”
It often triggers a mix of defensiveness and guilt. But as I strive to be more intentional, I pause, recalibrate, put my work down, and listen.
I try to be deliberate about setting aside time for work and time for bonding.
One such day, I finally got around to really listening to my sons as they shared their comic storybooks. They love drawing and creating their own stories.
I asked the question they had been waiting for:
“Tell me about your stories.”
It was a long one but honestly, the light on their faces, the excitement they showed, and the gratitude they expressed made me realise it was my greatest achievement that day… spending 15 minutes of uninterrupted attention on them.
I also got to know them much better; the characters they enjoy, their interests, how they perceive friendships, conflict, love, family, and even faith.
That moment gave me more insight into my children than many of our occasional conversations.
I’ve learnt that with kids, it’s the quality of time spent that truly matters. Sometimes, all it takes is a moment of uninterrupted listening or doing something with them.
So if today feels like one of those “no time to spare” days, try the powerful 15 minutes… and watch it work wonders.
