Have you ever looked at another family and wondered, “How do they genuinely enjoy being together?”

Meanwhile, you’re just trying to survive another busy week, wondering if you’ll ever feel truly connected again.

I get it. I’ve felt that ache too, watching my kids grow older and realizing how easy it is to let those little moments slip away in the name of “busy.”

But here’s what I want you to know:

”Closeness in your family won’t happen by accident. It happens when we choose connection on purpose.”

In this week’s episode of the Faith-Fueled Mompreneur Podcast, we dive into the simple shift that can help you put family first, and build rhythms that foster connection even on your busiest days.

The Wake-Up Call That Hit Me (Literally)

My daughter Scarlet just turned 14, and I’ve started noticing something that breaks my heart. On late nights after church or rehearsal, instead of asking to be tucked in like she used to, she’d pop her head in to say goodnight and head off to bed.

Part of me wanted to stay in bed and let it go.

But I realized if I don’t choose to get up, walk to her room, and end the day with a hug, a kiss, and a prayer, that moment, that connection, will be gone forever.

I don’t want to wake up one day and realize I chose convenience over connection.

And that realization led me to revisit what I believe about family time.

Love Doesn’t Create Time. Intention Does.

We often assume that loving our family means we’ll naturally spend time together.

But life doesn’t work that way.

If you want a close family, you can’t squeeze connection into the leftover cracks of your day. You have to design your day around it.

”Don’t make family time fit into your schedule. Make your schedule fit around your family time.”

Just like Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” That kind of refining connection requires investment.

And Galatians 6:9 reminds us not to grow weary. Because the harvest is coming if we don’t give up.

Everyday Rhythms That Build Connection

Here are a few intentional ways we’ve been prioritizing family in our home, and how you can start too:

1. Protect the Bookends of the Day

• Bedtime routines are sacred in our home. Snuggles, stories, and prayers help our kids feel seen and safe.
• Try asking: “What went well today? What was tricky? What do you want me to know?”

2. 10 Minutes of Special Time

• Set aside 10 minutes of one-on-one time with each child.
• Earlier in the day works best—you’ll notice improved behavior and connection.

3. Biweekly Kids’ Dates

• We alternate Friday nights for one-on-one outings with our kids.
• The other weeks, we do a family night (like pizza + movie night).

4. Shared Chores = Shared Responsibility

• We created a kitchen cleanup team: everyone pitches in with a role.
• It teaches responsibility and fosters a sense of teamwork.

5. Devotion Time with a Twist

• We use a simple template: write out a verse, thank God for something, and ask for help.
• It doesn’t have to be fancy, just consistent.

Don’t Forget Your Marriage

You and your spouse are the foundation.

Here are a few rhythms we’re building:

• Daily talk time (10 uninterrupted minutes face to face)
• Bedtime prayer
• Weekly money dates
• Monthly schedule check-ins to align family priorities

Your Family Doesn’t Need Perfection

They need presence.

Your kids won’t remember every activity you planned. But they will remember how you made them feel. They’ll remember that when life got busy, you still chose to connect.

So what if, this week, you chose one new habit and guarded it fiercely?

Whether it’s bedtime snuggles, a simple question at dinner, or a consistent date night, start small and build from there.

And remember: You are the glue in your family. Not because you do it all, but because you choose what matters most.

Final Words from My Heart to Yours

Your kids are growing.

The moments won’t wait.

But when you choose to protect those ordinary moments, you build an extraordinary family legacy.

So don’t wait for connection to happen. Make it happen, one intentional moment at a time.

You’re not alone on this journey. And I’m cheering you on every step of the way.

With love and grace,

Related Episodes:

1. Ep 176. Cultivating Respect From Your Kids Through Special Time
2. Ep 49. 8 Ways to Connect with Your Kids in the Car
3. Ep 201. Phone Boundaries For A More Present And Purposeful Life
4. Ep 160. Enjoying Every Moment with Your Kids
5. Ep 122. 8 Ways to Reset Bad Attitudes
6. Ep 209. Foundational Habits to Becoming a Faith-Fueled Mompreneur 

Resources:

1. Join the Free Purpose Gathering Community – A welcoming space for Christian mompreneurs to connect, grow, and be encouraged in both life and business.
2. Learn more about the Collective Mastermind – A Christ-centered space for ambitious mompreneurs seeking support, clarity, strategy, and strong Kingdom sisterhood.
3. Local to Gilbert/Mesa Arizona (For Mom Business Owners) Join our in person membership community
4. Have a question for me? Or a specific struggle you’re dealing with? I’ll address your question on the podcast. Submit your ‘Ask Ashley’ question here
5. Please connect with me on Instagram @thepurposegathering