I often feel like I’m being pulled in two directions.
On one hand, I want to build my online business and pursue work that I genuinely enjoy. On the other hand, I want to be fully present for my children because I know these years won’t last forever.
For a long time, I felt guilty no matter what I was doing.
If I was working, I felt like I should be spending more time with my kids.
If I was playing with my kids, I worried about all the work waiting for me.
When I picked up Time to Parent by Julie Morgenstern, I hoped it would offer practical advice—not just another reminder to “be more present.”
I’m happy to say it delivered exactly that.
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The Biggest Lesson I Took Away
The most valuable idea from the book is that parenting isn’t about trying to spend every possible minute with your children.
Instead, it’s about being intentional with the time you do have.
Julie Morgenstern introduces a simple way to think about parenting time that helped me realize I didn’t need to be available every second of the day to be a good mom.
I simply needed to protect the moments that matter most.
That mindset immediately reduced a lot of the guilt I had been carrying.
Why This Book Felt Different
I’ve read many parenting books over the years, but this one stood out because it is incredibly practical.
Instead of making me feel like I wasn’t doing enough, it gave me a realistic framework for organizing my day around what matters most.
It helped me organize and prioritize my time, which has been especially challenging as I’ve been trying to grow my business while also being fully present for my family. Julie Morgenstern’s practical strategies gave me a clear framework for balancing both, helping me feel less overwhelmed and more intentional about where I invest my time.
The advice feels achievable, even during busy seasons of life.
Presence Doesn’t Require Expensive Activities
One thing this book reminded me is that children usually don’t remember elaborate plans.
They remember connection.
Some of our favorite moments together happen during the simplest activities:
- Sensory play
- Painting together
- Easy science experiments
- Reading books
- Building with LEGO
- Going outside for a nature walk
These moments don’t require a huge budget or hours of preparation.
They simply require our attention.
One thing this book reminded me is that meaningful parenting doesn’t require elaborate plans—it often happens during simple moments of play.
If you’re looking for easy, low-prep activities to enjoy with your children, I’d love to share some of our family’s favorites with you.
Who I Think Should Read This Book
I would recommend this book if you are:
- A busy mom juggling work and family
- A stay-at-home mom feeling overwhelmed
- A working parent struggling with guilt
- Trying to become more intentional with your family time
- Looking for practical advice instead of parenting theory
Read Time to Parent
If you’re looking for a parenting book that offers practical, actionable advice instead of unrealistic expectations, I highly recommend Time to Parent.
My Honest Review
I found this book very useful, practical, and immediately applicable.
Rather than leaving me feeling overwhelmed, it helped me simplify my priorities and focus on what truly matters.
Most importantly, it reminded me that meaningful parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about making intentional choices with the time we already have.
Prefer Listening Instead?
As a busy mom, I know it isn’t always easy to sit down and read a book. If you’re folding laundry, driving, cooking dinner, or taking a walk, the audiobook version is a great way to enjoy the same insights while multitasking.
🎧 Listen to Time to Parent on Audible
If you haven’t tried Audible before, you may be eligible for a free trial that includes your first audiobook.
Read Anywhere with Kindle
I read many of my parenting books on my Kindle Paperwhite because it’s lightweight, distraction-free, and easy to keep beside my bed.
📖View Time to Parent for Kindle
If you’re considering getting a Kindle, it’s one of the best purchases I’ve made for making reading a consistent habit as a busy mom.
Make Reading Part of Your Mom Routine
One lesson this book reinforced for me is that taking care of ourselves also helps us become better parents.
Even reading just 10–15 minutes a day can provide fresh perspective, reduce stress, and remind us that we’re not alone in the challenges of parenting.
IfTime to Parent sounds like the encouragement you need right now, I hope it helps you as much as it helped me.
