9 Things to do with Your Kids Before They're Too Old

9 Things to do with your kids before they’re “too old”


It always makes me sad to here a parent say “I wish I would have done more” when it comes to discussing their children. For whatever reason they didn’t, it’s always sad to hear somebody wish for something that can never be returned to them – their child’s childhood.

On the other, I revel in the opportunity to hear about the time parents do spend with their children, and the great fun, learning, and bonding that take place. It’s a joy to hear a parent talk about trying something new with their children, and what they, the parent learned from it, as well as what the child learned.

I want to encourage you and implore you to spend more time with your children. Don’t wait. Don’t let their childhood pass you by. Don’t miss out on the opportunities to connect with them and build your relationship with them.

Here are several great opportunities to invest in your child’s childhood:

Go for a walk. There is something about going for a walk in the woods or even around the block that brings people closer. Getting a little exercise is good for everyone – and combining it with a discussion about the day’s events builds connections and your relationship with your child. Mix things up a bit by allowing your child to lead the walk and where you go, ask them why they choose to go the way they do. Some of my fondest memories as a young man were the times I went hiking with my father, and he would get us “lost” and I would have to lead the way back – it was a great learning opportunity for me, and a memory I will always cherish.

Read a book. Research indicates children of families who read do better in school and in life. Young children benefit from being read to, or reading to their parents – and let’s face it, they love it too! You don’t have to lose that as your child gets older – there are plenty of great books out there that you can read with your child; Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, and the Percy Jackson series are just a few that older kids can enjoy with their parents. Read the chapters together through the week and share the story and the ideas it generates for you and your child.

Cook something together – better yet, let them cook for you! Share your favorite recipe and prepare it together, or simply allow your child to make peanut butter and jelly for you. It is an empowering opportunity for them to learn a useful skill, and a chance to bond over a meal – be prepared for a little extra cleanup that you can share too.

Go for a drive. It’s amazing what you can see and talk about during a little drive through the country. Equally as fun is asking your child “straight or turn” at each intersection – let them make the decision to help get you where you are going.

Fix the car. There’s nothing wrong with letting your child get her hands a little dirty changing the oil, or pumping gas, or topping off the fluids in the car. I’m fairly certain either one of my girls could change the oil on their own – if not, they will have plenty more opportunities to help me with it! This is yet another opportunity to learn helpful life skills, but also a chance to ask questions and just be with you. It might take a little longer, but it is worth it to build a memory with your child.

Go geocaching. This is a great little hobby that used to be slightly expensive, but doesn’t have to be any more, if you have a smartphone. Geocaching is kind of like hide-and-seek, employing the multi-billion dollar GPS satellite system to find pieces of Tupperware hidden throughout the world. The last I saw, there are over a million geocaches hidden throughout the world. This is a fun hobby to inspire your child’s curiosity and watch their excitement of searching and finding the cache. Find out more at www.geocaching.com

Talk – ask a lot of questions – and listen to what you they have to say. Your child wants you to listen to them; they want your attention, that’s why they are constantly saying “watch me”, or “look at me” – they want you to pay attention. By talking with them, asking them questions and listening to them, you will let them know you are there for them, and you will decrease their need to engage in negative behavior to get your attention.

Take them to Disney World. I realize that his may not be a possibility for everyone, but I highly encourage you to give it a try once in your child’s childhood – that new big screen tv can wait, or maybe you can squeeze a few more miles out of your car in order to take them to Disney World. It is a trip they will never forget and will always appreciate – it’s an opportunity for you to get in touch with your inner child too.

Tell them you love them. This is the easiest, least expensive, and most impactful thing you can do with your child. Sadly, it is one of the things many children miss, or don’t hear enough. Tell your child that you love them as many times as you can each day – it never gets old.

Whatever you choose to do, whether it is from this list, or your own list, start doing it today. Don’t wait until “things are less stressful”, or “when the time is right” – children grow up to fast, the time will be gone before you know it. Don’t wait to be one of the people saying “I wish I would have done more”.