Ask any adult what their favorite memory of their parents is. There’s a very high chance its not time with the whole family.

Sure, we do a lot together. Plenty of team building and overcoming challenges together. Like going on long hikes that push through the meltdowns so we feel victorious the car was actually found in the end. Or the grenade cleaning method where we throw them all in one room, tell them to pick up their toys, and run away so they can work it out.

But the most valuable time with our kids is the one-on-one. The truly getting to know them times that are impossible as a group.

We work a lot and have so many things to juggle, it’s hard to find the time. Which is what makes those moments all the more special.

It could be picking up a favorite snack and eating it while chatting about their day, or better yet, baking together.

Or going for a bike ride around the neighborhood, finding a book in the swap bin and reading it together under a tree.

We do “mommy time” movie nights and air-pop popcorn the old fashioned way.

Playing a sport together.

Trips to the hardware store count.

Changing the oil with Dad.

Catching fireflies.

Painting nails or having fun with funky hairstyles.

Picking out an adult coloring book and working on it together.

Playing a card or board game.

Basically the options are endless when you truly get to know what your kid enjoys. Just do life together. It can be 10 minutes, but I promise it’s worth the intentionality. The tantrums and disobedience are reduced, the depth of connection increases. Family time is great, but nothing beats that one-on-one!