If you’re anything like us, you’re likely juggling a countless array of activities while donning myriad hats: chauffeur, cook, housekeeper, money manager, laundress, rescuer of the lost teddy bear, comforter to teary tots, doting wife to a handsome husband … Any of those ring a bell? And those are just the roles within your home; we can only imagine the commitments you keep outside your nest. Like you, we have them too. And like you, we’re constantly seeking ways to graciously manage it all.

Which is why we adore Los Angeles-based Erin and Nick Cloke. The husband-and-wife duo are the founders and owners of Kicky Pants, a charming clothing line for babies and moms made of sustainable bamboo. Yes, we love them for their darling duds–the mix-and-match colors and styles boast a laid-back appeal and a well-worn coziness that we only wish we could don each day–but more than their product line, we also love the Cloke’s for their commitment to graciously balance their home, family and business. Parents to three children, the Clokes make a daily effort to give their kiddos their undivided attention, and they’ve got some clever ideas for making that time count.

Erin suggests appointing time each morning to engage your children in an activity of their choosing, even if it’s simply five minutes before you head out. The Cloke brood often jumps on the trampoline, reads a book or doodles pictures. Another way they ensure a connection with their kids is with a talking stick. “Our son brought home a talking stick from preschool, and only the person holding the stick gets to speak,” Erin said. “It is everybody else’s job to try to really listen until it is their turn to hold the stick.” Erin admits the talking stick has allowed she and her hubbie to find out info about their tots’ school day, as well as things the kids might otherwise not be inclined to share. The family also uses the stick to concoct make-believe stories, with each person adding a sentence when the stick reaches them. Could there be a simpler, more creative way to engage your little ones? OK, there are probably countless ideas out there, but we love the Clokes’ talking stick so much, we might just have to borrow it for ourselves. Try it or a variation for yourself, and see if it helps you strike a balance amidst the busyness of home, family and work.

photos courtesy of the Cloke family and Kicky Pants