What is the definitive guide to spending quality time with kids according to Meredith Masony?

When I talk about “quality time” with kids, I don’t mean picture-perfect outings or being with them 24/7. I focus on three big ideas:

• Presence over perfection: Put the phone down, look them in the eye, and really listen, even if it’s just 10–15 minutes.
• Connection over entertainment: Kids don’t need constant activities; they need to feel seen, heard, and loved.
• You matter too: You’re a mom, not a martyr. When you protect time for yourself and your identity, you show your kids what a healthy adult looks like.

So my “definitive guide” is this: be present, be honest, keep it simple, and remember that you still get to exist as a person.

What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing with quality time right now?