The Importance of Creating Meaningful Memories with Your Children
When you look back at your life, it’s usually the childhood memories that you hold dearest and that touch you more than any others. Except, of course, for those that involve your own children. So, naturally, it’s up to you now to make such sweet memories for them as well. Not only will quality time spent with them fulfill you, but it can also create and strengthen a bond between you, building trust and respect from the moment they come into this world. If you’re keen on forming as many precious memories with your children as you possibly can, here are some good ideas on how to do it.
Start Traditions
When you’re a child, the things you look forward to the most are happy moments with your parents and siblings. And some of the most memorable moments come from traditions that made all of you cheerful. For some, this means pancakes for breakfast every Sunday, while it’s the Tuesday-night movie night or camping in the backyard every spring for others. It truly doesn’t matter what you choose, but introducing something joyful that you do regularly, over and over again, gives your children and you something to look forward, something you can all participate in and contribute to and something that you’re all invested in, as a family. For instance, you can choose one evening a week to play board games together, as that way your children can have fun without staring at their computer or phone screen. If not that, perhaps treasure hunts or solving puzzles will do. Take note of what your children like doing, but don’t hesitate suggesting activities they aren’t familiar with yet, as they might grow fond of them and turn them into their most valuable memories of time spent with you.
Sing and Dance
Music can move you, make you more positive and energize you, which is the perfect thing to share with your children when you want to create memories that you’ll all cherish. This is actually something you can start doing even before your baby is born. In fact, starting at about 23 weeks and through some of the more advanced pregnancy stages, babies can hear the music inside the womb. Bear in mind that, at that point, what your baby can hear best is your own voice, which transmits through your uterus and is amplified as it reverberates through your body. So, if you can play an instrument and feel inclined to sing to your baby even before birth, do so. If not, play them music from a device. After they’re born, continue to do so, as music can boost their mood no matter their age. Through melody and movement, your little ones get stimulated and you encourage various areas of their development. So, put some music on, sing along to it from the top of your lungs and sway, bounce and dance with your children as if nobody’s watching. One day, these moments will probably be something for both them and you to look back on with warmth and affection.
Play With Them
Aside from allowing yourself to be childish and silly from time to time, there are many other benefits of playing with your children. It can help you nurture your relationship while finding out more about what they’re thinking and what’s bothering them. Plus, it’s an amazing way to make beautiful memories. Your children will most likely be crazy about this type of special playtime, particularly so if you let them choose and guide the play activities. You can do this in the comfort of your home, using their favorite toys, or you can do it outdoors. You can adjust the kind of games you play to their age and change them as they grow. Engage in roleplay, build sandcastles or play hide-and-seek together. You can even use some chairs and blankets to make a fort in your living room, where you can sit together, read stories and talk about whatever pops into your mind. Don’t be bothered by the mess you make or the clothes that get dirty while you play together. This is an excellent way to learn your kids’ secrets and improve the communication between you, as well as to present them with treasured moments to remember.
Organize Parties for Them
Even when you’re older, your birthday is always that one day of the year when you feel special. This is even more emphasized when it comes to kids, as they perceive their birthdays as the highlight of their year. However, if you think about it, it’s the birthday party that all the frenzy is usually about, as it’s what gets them thrilled and it’s what they always anticipate with excitement. If you’re restraining yourself from going all out for your kids’ birthday parties, perhaps you should remind yourself of how much the memory of those days will be worth to them one day. You want them to remember how much love and devotion you put into organizing that day for them to spend with their friends and family, blowing the candles on their cake, opening their presents and how they were the focus of everybody’s attention. Don’t forget to take plenty of photos, so that you can capture those moments of pure joy. Once they grow up, they’ll be glad that they have those reminders of their birthdays and the images in their heads of how you always made them feel important, loved and valued.
Investing time and effort into your children’s rearing and being there for them on a daily level is a phenomenal way to create memories spontaneously and constantly. Add to this the above-mentioned activities and you’ll not only manage to form some of the most significant memories of their life and yours, but you’ll also get to make the connection between you strong and lasting, which is all you could ever ask for as a parent.