Identify When Your Kid Needs You The Most With The 9-Minute Theory

Written By:

Written By:

Identify When Your Kid Needs You The Most With The 9-Minute Theory

Are you a parent who wants to build a better relationship with your children? Then welcome to the Nine Minute Theory. This game-changer in parenting has been making waves among moms and dads everywhere.

Sara Martinez, a mother of a toddler, scrolls through TikTok looking for advice. Out of all the comments flooding her screen, one catches her eye – the 9 Minute Theory.

She does some digging and what she finds not only brings her closer to her 19-month-old daughter Millie but also relieves some of her ‘mom guilt.’

So What Is The Nine Minute Theory?

nine minute theory

This is about knowing the 9 most important minutes in a child’s day, only made for busy parents who are short on time. It asks them to focus on three key moments each day with their kids: the wake-up ritual, post-school/daycare catch-up, and bedtime wind-down.

Related: 6 Signs You’re Ready To Start A Family

Sara doesn’t set aside exactly nine minutes of quality time with Millie. Instead, she creates pockets free from distractions where they can connect. And the outcome? Their relationship transforms – as does Sara’s life when freed from under the weight of mom guilt.

As soon as Sara lets everyone in on this secret via TikTok, things really kick off. Nearly 600k pairs of eyes watch her video and floods of comments pour in – clearly, parents worldwide are resonating with knowing the most important 9 minutes of a child’s day.

But who came up with it all? None other than Jaak Panksepp Ph.D., a renowned affective neuroscientist who sadly passed away last year. His creation called “The Nine Minute Program” shows how emotions shape our lives based on his amazing research.

Working alongside Panksepp was Eric Dubow Ph.D., an esteemed research professor that contributed greatly towards developing this life-changing 9 minute theory.

9 most important minutes in a child’s day

1. Wake-Up Wonder

Out of the most important 9 minutes of a child’s day – the first three minutes after they wake up from dreaming land; imagine sleepy eyes blinking open or small arms reaching out for morning snuggles – these are yours to savor.

2. After-School Shuffle

The three minutes after school or daycare filled with backpacks, snacks and all the stories from their day. Take advantage of this chaotic time to re-connect, listen and be present in their world.

3. Bedtime Bliss

The last three minutes before another day closes it’s curtains. Here, in the stillness of night – wrap them up tight with warmth, love and the knowledge that they’re safe and cherished.

It’s not about how many minutes but rather connecting deeply within each moment shared; whether it be a laugh together, secret whispered or hug given – these pockets have power when it comes to nurturing your bond as parent and child.

And guess what? You don’t need a Ph.D. in Neuroscience to make use of the Nine Minute Theory. It’s actually quite simple but profound reminder for us all (especially those who may feel like their days are slipping through fingertips) – slow down, enjoy each fleeting second and appreciate this wild ride called motherhood/fatherhood!

So here’s some encouragement for tired mums/dads trying balance million things at once… In just nine scattered throughout your busy routine can you create memories? bond? bring little bit magic into mundane

Related: 6 Unique Parenting Practices In Different Cultures To Learn From

The Nine Minute Theory summons us away from all the diversions of life and back to the one thing that really counts – the age-old dance of love between parent and child.

So take those nine minutes, embrace them even, and see how they can thread through your family’s narrative!


Identify When Your Kid Needs You The Most With The Minute Theory pin

— Share —

Published On:

Last updated on:

,

— About the Author —

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Up Next

Should Parents Set Consequences for Misbehavior or Not?

Should Parents Set Consequences For Misbehavior? Key Points

You want your child to grow up responsible and disciplined, but should you set consequences for misbehavior? Let’s learn the right balance between discipline and understanding.

Should we set consequences for our children when they don’t do what we want?

Key points

Research shows that physical punishment predicts negative outcomes in children.

Authoritative parenting has been found to be the most effective style that yields the happiest children.

Parents need to be able to tolerate their children being upset, disappointed, sad, or even angry with them.

Up Next

Does Gentle Parenting Work?

Does Gentle Parenting Style Work? Important Things To Know

Can setting firm boundaries with kindness raise well-behaved kids, or does it lead to entitlement and defiance? Let’s learn more about gentle parenting style!

A look at the data on gentle parenting.

Key points

The concept of Gentle Parenting is not based on scientific data.

Gentle Parenting does incorporate some very good parenting techniques.

Gentle Parenting may ask too much of parents.

What Is Gentle Parenting Style?

Up Next

Let Kids Be Kids? 6 Identifying Signs of Hurried Child Syndrome

Clear Hurried Child Syndrome Symptoms

Some of us felt the pressure to grow up too fast… meet deadlines, succeed academically, and always be on top of things—before we were even ready. It turns out, this pressure is real for some children today, and it’s called Hurried Child Syndrome. Let’s explore more about this condition.

What Is Hurried Child Syndrome?

Wondering what is Hurried Child Syndrome? It re

Up Next

Hovering Too Hard? 7 Mistakes Parents Who Overparent Often Make

Mistakes Parents Who Overparent Make: Hovering Too Hard?

It’s easy for parents who overparent to fall into the trap of doing too much in the name of love and care. But sometimes, all that hovering and controlling can backfire in surprising ways. Let’s break down the seven common mistakes and how to avoid them!

KEY POINTS

Overprotective parenting can have a negative impact on children’s mental health and relationships.

If you recognize any of these signs in yourself, it’s important to take steps to change your behavior.

Encourage your child to try new things, let them make mistakes, take risks, and solve problems on their own.

Up Next

Is Your Daughter in a Controlling Relationship? 9 Ways to Help Her Break Free

Daughter in a Controlling Relationship? Things You Can Do

Have you ever had a very strong gut feeling that your daughter might not be in a healthy relationship? Or that she is in a relationship with a controlling boyfriend? Today we are going to talk about what you can do, when you have a daughter in a controlling relationship.

Yeah, it’s a tough pill to swallow. Bossy boyfriends sneakily isolate, manipulate and dim the light in the people they date. And if your daughter is dating someone like this, then it’s understandable how tough it can be to watch that.

However, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel – as her mother, you can help her break free from her controlling boyfriend. This isn’t about swooping in like a superhero; it’s about being smart, supportive, and steady.

First, let’s start with trying to understand who a controlling boyfriend

Up Next

8 Undeniable Signs She’s Destined to Be an A+ Mom

Qualities of a Good Mother That Guarantee A+ Parenting!

Moms are superheroes, plain and simple. But being a great mom isn’t just about keeping the fridge stocked and making sure homework gets done. It’s about making your kids feel loved, valued, and truly understood. Moms are often the first and biggest influence in a child’s life, shaping how they see themselves and the world.

Being a good mom is about way more than just keeping a kid alive (though, yes, that’s non-negotiable). It’s about showing up with love, wisdom, and that unshakable belief in her kid’s potential. Moms help mold who we are and how we see the world.

Up Next

Divorce And Holidays: 5 Co-Parenting Tips To Help Kids Enjoy Christmas

Helpful Divorce And Holidays Coping Tips For Parents

The festive season is often described as the most wonderful time of the year. However, divorce and holidays can be tricky to navigate for some families, it’s not only challenging for kids but also for their parents.

Children deserve to be in happy and healthy homes, a safe space to enjoy and make memories rather than facing bickering fights and drama.

If you’re co parenting on Christmas, create a holiday season that’s joyful and comforting for your children. Below are five practical divorce and holidays coping tips to help your kids enjoy the festivities, even after a separation or divorce.