Marvian Kaddu, a content creator passionate about self-development, recently shared a compelling post on LinkedIn addressing a dilemma many working parents face—how to spend productive time with their children without sacrificing their careers. Her insights come from a lived example, not as a parent herself, but as a child who benefited from the intentional parenting of her father. Marvian Kaddu’s story offers valuable lessons on how quality time, even in small doses, can shape a child’s future and build essential skills that last a lifetime.
In her post, Marvian Kaddu begins by acknowledging a feeling that resonates with many parents: parental guilt. The constant balancing act between professional responsibilities and family life can often leave parents feeling as though they aren’t giving their children the time and attention they deserve. However, Marvian Kaddu argues that the quality of time spent with children is far more important than the quantity. Drawing from her personal experience, she shows that even small moments can be deeply impactful if approached with intention.
Marvian Kaddu reflects on her own childhood, where her father, despite his busy schedule, made a deliberate effort to be present in her and her siblings’ lives. One of the practices he implemented was having them give a detailed narration of their day before bedtime. This seemingly simple ritual had a profound effect. Marvian Kaddu explains that this daily exercise taught her and her siblings to be vigilant and aware of their environment, as they knew they would need to recount their experiences. Over time, this habit enhanced their communication skills, made them more observant, and fostered their analytical abilities. These skills not only served them well in their youth but also paved the way for future leadership roles and professional success.
As Marvian Kaddu points out, this practice didn’t take much time—just 30 minutes a day. Yet, the benefits were long-lasting, shaping their ability to articulate ideas clearly, develop critical thinking, and build meaningful relationships. It’s no surprise, she says, that she pursued a career in communication, a field where these foundational skills are essential.
Marvian Kaddu also highlights how her father’s intentional parenting went beyond daily conversations. Every month, he engaged his children in creative projects, from building kits and cars out of plastic bottles to crafting paper jewelry and art. These projects didn’t just keep the children occupied—they taught valuable life skills. Marvian Kaddu notes that these activities helped her learn project management, problem-solving, and critical thinking, all while nurturing creativity. Her father would set aside three hours every weekend to supervise their progress, guiding them while allowing them to take ownership of their work. Throughout the week, the children would be occupied with their projects, constantly thinking about how to improve and execute their ideas.
For Marvian Kaddu, these projects were not just about keeping busy—they were preparation for the workplace. The ability to manage a project from start to finish, communicate ideas effectively, think outside the box, and take creative risks are all skills that have served her well in her professional life. Her father’s guidance taught her the importance of consistency and the value of taking calculated risks—skills that are invaluable in any career.
Another key lesson from Marvian Kaddu’s childhood was the importance of financial literacy. Her father instilled the value of money at an early age, teaching her and her siblings how to budget and save. By the age of seven, Marvian Kaddu was already budgeting for her school needs, estimating costs, and handling transactions at shops and banks. This early introduction to financial responsibility laid a strong foundation for her adulthood. Today, she credits her financial discipline as one of her “superpowers,” allowing her to manage her money wisely, even as she continues to learn more about investing.
Marvian Kaddu emphasizes that in today’s fast-paced world, it’s crucial for parents to be intentional about how they spend their time with their children. It’s not about the number of hours, but about the quality of the experiences shared. She believes that 30 minutes of meaningful interaction can have a lasting impact on a child’s life. These moments, if filled with purposeful activities and genuine connection, can stay with children for years, shaping their values, skills, and overall development.
One of the most powerful messages in Marvian Kaddu’s post is the idea that preparing to be a good parent starts with becoming a good adult. As she eloquently puts it, “You can’t pass on a skill you don’t already have.” Parents must first develop the qualities they want to instill in their children. Whether it’s financial discipline, project management, or effective communication, these are skills that children learn by example. Marvian Kaddu’s father didn’t just tell his children how to succeed—he modeled the behaviors and habits that would help them thrive.
Marvian Kaddu invites her audience to reflect on their own childhood experiences and consider what lessons they want to pass on to their children. Her story serves as a reminder that intentional, productive time spent with children doesn’t require grand gestures or hours of commitment. It’s the consistent, thoughtful moments that truly make a difference.
Marvian Kaddu’s reflections offer a roadmap for parents looking to strike a balance between work and family. Her message is clear: it’s not about doing everything, but about doing the right things. With intention and purpose, even the busiest parent can make a lasting impact on their children’s lives—just as Marvian Kaddu’s father did for her.
