never miss a moment

How to Not Miss a Moment With Your Kids

I remember how our 7-year-old used to give us the peace sign when he was younger. He’d put up his pinky finger and his ring finger. Instead of trying to correct him, we captured it with our camera knowing he’d learn the “correct” peace sign later. It’s a simple yet fun moment that always takes us back. I also remember our daughter talking and talking and talking right as we were tucking her into bed at night. That was her moment to talk about any random thing that came to mind. Now when it’s bed time, she’d rather not say a word. Those conversations were precious, and I admit I sometimes wish she would talk our heads off again sometimes at bedtime.

What will you think 5, 10, or 15 years from now when your kids have grown and left your home? Will you or your kids have regrets about the moments you missed? Here are 5 things you can do to make sure you never miss a moment with your kids.

1. Begin with the end in mind.

Steven Covey taught us in his book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People to begin with the end in mind. Have a clear picture in your mind of what a future day will look like. This may take you right to the moment of truth when your kids leave. Doing so will make you evaluate your choices at the point of a decision to spend time with your kids.

2. Make them a priority.

One of the things you should see when beginning with the end in mind is the relationship you will have with your kids in the future. Keeping that in mind will encourage you to make your time together today a priority.

3. Plan them.

Writing things down has proven to be an effective way to make something happen. Set aside some predetermined times to spend with your kids. Make a list of all of the things you want to do. Mark the dates in your calendar and make them nonnegotiable. Have your kids do the same if they are old enough to keep track of their schedule and calendar.

4. Follow through.

It does no good if you do not follow through. You will do more damage than good if you plan it and don’t do it. Remember the quote, “Do what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, in the best way it can be done, and do it like this every time.” When it is time to hang with your kids, do it, do it now, do it to the fullest, and put it on repeat.

When it is time to hang with your kids, do it, do it to the fullest, and put it on repeat.

5. Capture them.

Cell phone cameras, digital cameras, and digital video cameras give you many ways to capture the moments with your kids. Don’t be afraid to snap and snap away. Part of the fun of these moments is reliving them later in pictures and conversation.

Sound off: What are some other ways we never miss a moment with our kids?

Huddle up with your kids and ask, “What is one thing you would love to do together in the next couple of weeks?”