Shelly's Modeling Agencies | Build Family Ties | Hot Topic

Shelly's Modeling Agencies hot topic is to build family ties. Real moms reveal how they bond with their kids-in between helping with homework and tricking them into eating veggies. "Friday nights are 'notebook time,' meaning my son and daughter journal on a topic we give them. Our kids call it torture, but also remind us if we miss doing it. Once the subject was, 'Where will you be in ten years?' We talked about their answers for more than an hour. - Maia S., 34, attorney, San Bernardino CA

"As soon as I pick up my son from school, I take him to the park. If we went home first and he saw his toys-and I started chores-it wouldn't happen. Caden looks forward to it. We'll walk and talk or I'll walk while he bikes." - Candice W., 29, data processor, Meridian MS

"My husband, Dewayne, and I try to slow down and cherish every moment with our girls, Sage, 4, and Sydney, 19 months. We used to rush home from Sage's gymnastics classes to have dinner. Now we'll pack dinner and eat at the gymnastics studio. It's less hectic and gives us more time to connect." - Latasha H., 36, co-owner, marriage enrichment company, Washington DC

"Money is a little tight sometimes. But one Saturday I took my 7-year-old son, Koby, to buy a toy as a treat anyway. He grabbed my hand and said. 'Thank you for spending your last money on me, Mommy.' For him to understand how hard it is and be grateful, that was big." - Tiffany D., 27, clerk, Huntsville AL

"Three years ago we were in a serious car accident and we thought we were going to lose our son. Thankfully we didn't. Now we all pray together at dinnertime and bedtime. My husband and I try to instill in Bryce, 7, and Sierra, 4, the peace and knowledge that God will take care of everything." - Ebony W., 34, quality manager at a public health program, Topeka KS

"On holidays the kids and I serve food and wash dishes at a rescue mission so they'll understand giving back. I make one-on-one time with them too: Da'zha, 13, and I go to the beauty salon together, and Devin, 17, and I talk while he practices driving." - Kendra D., 41, bank VP, Charlotte NC

Get more time in your life by following these tips from Shelly's Modeling Agencies.

Add more minutes to your day by...

• Switching your hairstyle. Ask your stylist for a new unwrap-and-go do to free you from a flat iron.
• Handling Bills Online. Save time managing mail and arguing with representatives about late fees.
• Heading to bed earlier. You could wake up more refreshed and still have some quiet time to yourself.
• Outsourcing hourswork. Yes, it may mean more cash, but it could be worth your time. You'll never know how much easier it makes your life-until you give it a try.