Being a parent is one of our greatest joys and privileges on this side of heaven. It’s one of our favorite roles, but also one of the hardest. Each of our kids has unique needs, likes, and dislikes, and all require individual attention. It can feel overwhelming at times, but with some intentionality, it doesn’t have to be. Here are three ways we stay intentional with our kids:
1. Have individual dates with your kids.
These don’t have to be fancy or cost money, but they need to be planned and intentional. I take turns with my spouse, one-on-one, taking each child out to do something they love. Whether it’s a lunch date, playing basketball outside, or just sitting at the kitchen table when they get home from school. I put my phone away, listened to them, and gave them my full attention. It’s not about the activity—it’s about the time together.
2. Family movie nights.
We look forward to this every week, usually on Fridays or weekends. It’s a time to come together, make popcorn, grab a treat, and watch a movie as a family. This isn’t about individual time, but it's important bonding time. With kids' busy schedules, this weekly ritual gives us an opportunity to disconnect from everything else and just be together—no phones, no distractions, just cuddles and fun.
3. Put them to bed.
If you have little ones who become clingy at bedtime, make it a habit to tuck them in and pray with them every night. But don’t stop there. After they’re asleep, make sure to check in with my older kids, too. Some of my best and most meaningful conversations happen at night when we’re winding down. If I’m not intentional about it, I could easily miss these moments with my older kids, assuming they don’t need me at bedtime anymore.
Parent-child relationships take work, but they’re worth it. Simple, intentional moments like these can go a long way in building strong, lasting connections with each of my children. What about you? How do you intentionally connect with your kids?
