Making Great Childhood Memories

Memories......

The other morning I got into my car and turned on the radio. The DJ was interviewing someone. I would normally change the channel because I prefer to listen to music during my morning commute, but this guy was talking about making childhood memorable. The DJ had already introduced him so I do not know who he was but he had some great things to say.

We try hard to make sure there are great memories for our children. Some people buy the latest, greatest toys; others take amazing trips and still others make sure there is plenty of family time. None of these memory making ways are incorrect! This guy had an amazing tradition with his kids though.

Every month he celebrated the child's birthday. He did not buy them a gift, he did not get them a cake, he did not have a big party, but he did celebrate. If the child was born on April 26, then on  the 26th of every month, he did something with the child. He always let the child pick the activity and it was always, one on one. All of the activities were small items to adults but meant lots to the children. How often does your child get to decide what activity you do? Usually the parent decides and the kid comes along. They were not expensive ideas, many months cost him nothing other than his time. They would go for bike rides, eat ice cream, have a picnic, drink hot chocolate, watch a movie or read a special book.

As parents, we all get busy sometimes and feel like there is too much to do and not enough time to get it done but occasionally we need to slow down. Give your child one evening every month that is just about them! These are the things that you remember into adulthood and that make you into the person you will become.