time for family

Making Memories

from Focus on the Family

There are many simple things you can do as a parent to build memories and enhance special occasions with your child. However, when schedules are jammed with activities, some of life's simplest but most satisfying pleasures may be lost. But taking the time to create special memories can help cement a wonderful relationship with your children.

Below are some ideas that have been successful memory builders for many families. This is merely a list to help stimulate your own creative juices. Use these or add your own ideas to the list, but don't let years pass without creating some special times that your children will cherish and perhaps pass on to their own children.

  • Give the gift of time to your children.
  • Schedule time with each of your children and make these "dates" as important on your calendar as any other commitment.
  • If you are running errands, take one of the kids along and talk about what she finds interesting — her favorite game, toy or book, for example.
  • Make a special occasion of taking your child to work with you, and in so doing share this part of your life with him.
  • Record your thoughts, hopes and dreams for your child in letters and journals.
  • Letters can be written while you are pregnant and then given to your child later in life.
  • Letters can be written for special occasions, such as a graduation from elementary school, public profession of faith, special birthday, first day of school or first date.
  • Letters can be written to celebrate a success or to console a discouragement.
  • Even after the baton is passed, letters can be beautiful gifts at occasions such as engagements, weddings, births, achievements and even failures.
  • Put special notes in your child's lunch box or on her pillow. Tell your child how much she means to you.
  • Take special family vacations. Follow the Santa Fe Trail if your family is into history. Scout out baseball stadiums. Go rafting. Or spend time at home camping in the backyard.
  • Make holidays special. Start new traditions, or re-create old ones.
  • On your child's 13th birthday take a moment, or an entire evening, to celebrate the transition to adolescence. Consider presenting a special gift … that can serve as a symbol of commitment to preserving the gift of sex for the wedding night.
Excerpted from Complete Book of Baby and Child Care, published by Tyndale House Publishers , Inc. Copyright © 1999 Focus on the Family. All rights reserved.

Background Information

Making Good Decisions
What to do about avoidance — one of the biggest time wasters around.

Evaporating Family Time
It's easy to get caught up in the business of life. It's not as easy to make it up to your kids.

Questions and Answers

I have very little time to spend with my children these days, but I make sure the hours we do get to spend together are meaningful. Do you agree that the quality of time you are with your kids is more important than the quantity?
Answer

Our son has been spending all of his time with friends and leaves no time for family activities. What should we do?
Answer

There aren't enough hours in the day to do all that needs to be done and spend quality time with our kids. But I'm afraid that someday I'll regret my day-to-day decisions to focus on a clean house. How can I change?
Answer

Review Frequently Asked Questions

Stories

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Though in 5- and 6-year-old language I would have never called him a "workaholic," I suppose my dad fit the description.

Leaving the Majors for More
Choosing family over career isn't easy; but the rewards are priceless.

If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.
Share Your Story

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Dare To Be Different
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