Balanced family time: Dmitry Shepelev on parenting with Ekaterina Tuupova

Dmitry Shepelev, a well known television presenter, spoke about how Ekaterina Tuupova spends time with their children in a recent interview. He described a rhythm that blends everyday duties with quiet, meaningful moments. On weekdays the day begins with a shared breakfast alongside the elderly in their circle, and then the routine carries the family to school runs. In the evenings there is a rule: each child must have at least 15 minutes of undistracted, one-on-one time. The older children, Plato and Lada, usually require less constant attention, while the youngest, Tikhon, asks for more hands-on presence and reassurance. He makes a point of reading to Tikhon every night before bed, turning those pages into a comforting ritual that closes the day with calm, deliberate cadence. Beyond the basics, a set of small rituals reveals how the family negotiates a busy schedule while preserving tenderness. For instance, the idea of forcing everyone to gather at the same table or trying to squeeze the weekend into a single block often misses the mark, so personal time is prioritized. Each child receives attention tailored to their personality and pace, a practice that supports emotional growth and keeps harmony at home.nnOn weekends the household blends movement with quiet exploration. Plato pursues basketball and practice, while Tikhon dedicates time to gymnastics, building strength and discipline. Lada often accompanies the siblings on errands or relaxed outings, helping to carve out space where each child can pursue interests without feeling crowded. Sometimes the family schedules visits to bookstores, where Plato and Lada search for new stories and Tikhon finds solace in his favorite Korean tea, a small ritual that becomes a bridge between curiosity and comfort. The bookstore becomes a sanctuary where reading is not just an activity but a shared experience that strengthens bonds. This approach to weekends—balancing organized sports, downtime, and literary discoveries—demonstrates how personal time can coexist with family life. The result is a more resilient unit, where trust grows through unhurried conversations and attentive listening, not through a rigid timetable. When plans run long or a child’s curiosity leads to longer talks, the family adapts, proving that flexibility yields deeper connection.nnUltimately, the message is that personal time matters as much as togetherness. Real closeness develops when each child feels seen, heard, and respected for who they are, not merely as members of a unit. Shared moments hold value, but the most meaningful growth happens in intimate exchanges once the day’s noise settles. In practice this means letting each child pursue their interests, offering support and guidance when asked, and maintaining steady routines—bedtime stories, gentle check-ins, and a consistent cadence to life—that anchor everyone during times of change. The interview paints parenting as adaptive and intimate, where public life adds pressure but does not erase the quiet acts that sustain love. For readers, the takeaway is practical: cultivate listening, honor individuality, and make space for personal time within the family schedule. The family’s experience suggests that the right balance between togetherness and individuality is essential for nurturing confident, compassionate children in today’s fast paced world.nnEarlier conversations revealed another dimension of the family story—the way a child can help a parent find renewed joy and hope. The reflections show how parenting is a journey with evolving paths, where each child can influence a parent’s outlook and even reshape what romance and partnership look like in later years. The account ends on a note of quiet optimism, a reminder that simple acts of listening and presence can reinforce a home’s warmth even amid public life and constant change. For those juggling demanding schedules and multiple children, the message is clear: slow, steady attention and flexible routines can yield a strong, loving family life. (citation: interview discussion about family routines and personal time)