My kids are more than happy to reconnect at bedtime, but I never feel like I can do justice to everyone's needs before I either just want to go sleep, or talk to my husband for a few minutes on the couch.
When you can find even small ways to connect with your kids, it can mean so much. That's why I was so grateful this week when I got what felt like a Holy Spirit-inspired idea to let my oldest daughter know how much she means to me.
I had to pick her up from volleyball practice one day, and the other kids were at home. We live very close to our school, so it was reasonable for me to leave everyone with the second-oldest to babysit for a bit.
I got to practice early enough to admire the ways she has grown on the court this season. And as we got in the car and started talking, I told her we were going to driver through Wendy's for some fries.
I know, I know -- junk food. Part of my husband's job involves educating people about how to make healthy food choices. I know all about why we shouldn't eat French fries.
But my daughter likes them. And at the moment, connecting with her was more important.
All stopping for fries did was give us maybe an extra ten minutes. But that was long enough to talk about her day. It was long enough for her to ask, "Why are we doing this?" And for me to answer, "Just because I love you!" And long enough for her to give a really beautiful smile in return!
When we got home, she wasn't quite done eating, so we added in a quick loop around the block for good measure. By the time we got home, she said she didn't really have anything else to say -- but wished she did, so we could keep talking!
I was so grateful I found such a simple way to surprise one of my children with a gift of time. How have you found ways to connect with your children?
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