Personilized time with my children

Back in Virginia, I had a couple of friends who were very consistent in taking their children on dates. Some families would do it on a monthly basis and some others preferred doing it on a weekly basis. I really liked the idea of taking time doing something special with each of my children. Initially, I thought it would be best for Elijah to take them out on dates, since I was and I am the one who takes care of them during the day and most evenings. Both of us tried hard to make this happen, but it was never a priority. This year as I thought more of my children and ways I could help them grow and be happy, the idea of date night kept coming into my mind. They are growing up and I can feel that often times they fight over who can get more time and attention from me. So, one of the things I want to try to do better this year is spend individual time with each of my children. As I've thought of things I can do with each of them, I've become excited about this goal. They are all so different that it's going to be so much fun catering to their interest and hobbies. Furthermore, I believe, spending time with each of them in one on one basis will help me have a stronger bond with each of them, as well as help them feel comfortable with me as they grow older.

Tonight, I left Elijah playing checkers with the boys, and I took Gillian for an evening out with mom. We ran some errands first, did couple of service acts on the way, ate dinner out, and then went shopping. I can't believe how much fun it was to shop with Gillian! We kept talking about fashion, styles, colors, friends, modesty, hobbies, books, and much more. I loved it. What I loved more however was the fact that Gillian felt special that I took time to be with just her.

When we got back, we hear laughter coming from the bathroom. After playing several games of checkers, dominoes, chess, reading books and eating dinner, Elijah had gathered the boys together and was giving them all a bath. My older boys take showers nowadays, and Charlton takes his bath by himself, but seeing them so happy together, with Charlton trying to imitate his brothers' actions and sounds, made me think that maybe I should have them take a bath together.


I really enjoyed today. It made me happy to do something more than my everyday responsibilities. Motherhood is truly a special calling. I don't think anything could give me as much joy as the happiness I saw in Gillian's eyes tonight. I'm blessed to be the mother of my children.

What are some ways you give individual attention to your children?