Live With no Regrets
Life is “truly” Poppin’, but it doesn’t mean it has to pop right by without making lasting memories. One area I don’t want to miss out on is quality time with my kids. You would be amazed how you can squeeze in a fun time of learning and memories in just moments of your time. Here are just a few that have worked for me. (And this is not limited to just Mom’s! Dad’s can do these too!)
If your child is in school, go pick him/her up from school at lunchtime. Take him/her to a nearby restaurant for a quick one on one lunch. They usually have a short lunch period, so it won’t take a huge time out of your day, but it will make a huge impact. You can even make it educational and ask them: “We have $10 to spend, how would you spend this so we both can have a good lunch?” As they grow older, occasionally let them have a school friend join you, with their parents permission, of course! You could give each of your children a date lunch once a month or every other month, whatever works for you.
Whether it’s a car ride to school or a long trip, we spend alot of time in the car. Make the most of it by making up a story! For example, you start it with, “Today I am going to the zoo so I can see monkey swinging on a branch. And then…” The first child adds a sentence, and then the next child adds a second sentence, etc. then back to you. My experience has been that we get very silly and laugh until we snort! Or, you can reach into deeper story to instill giving, etc., “I am in a store and this elderly man is struggling to reach a jar on the shelf…or a woman with a young child dropped her change on the floor…or little Suzy is new at school ..or the lady down our street is ill. Maybe I could ________ to brighten her day.”
Oh, those bothersome waiting rooms while waiting for your appointment can get lengthy. We play “guess what number I am thinking between 1 and 25”. The winner gets to go next. Or the ABC game: think of an animal that starts with a, next b, etc. The other kids in the room may want to join in!
Bedtime is a great time to put praise and encouragement into their mind. Just a few moments after tucking them in, you can highlight the good things they did that day. “Johnny, I am so proud that you did your chores today without me telling you.” Or “Johnny, that was nice when you played with your sister so I could finish the laundry.” Not only does it build their self esteem, but encourages them and they may even look forward to bedtime to receive their praise time. Just DO NOT follow a praise with a “but”! You have plenty of daytime to discipline. Sweet Dreams.
The key is whether you have five minutes or 30 minutes to spare, give them your full attention (put your phone down!). Not only will you have quality time with them, they will have wonderful memories and I bet they will do the same with their children some day! Our moments with them go by too fast. Live with no regrets.
– Guest post by Mama K
{Victoria Walker}
