Every Spare Moment

Every morning, you wake up, brush your teeth, get dressed, dress the kids, take them to school, go to work, pick them up, take them to soccer, grab fast food dinners, tuck them in, go to sleep, repeat. Between the growing costs of just about everything and the time it takes to do it all, you’re probably feeling stretched pretty thin What’s worse, if you’re like so many other parents I know, myself included, you’re probably also feeling guilty. Guilty that you’re not around your children as much as you like, guilty that you can’t afford to buy many of the toys they want, guilty that you feel too tired to play with them at the end of each day.



You probably also feel like you’re missing out on the most important thing of all—the little things that make life so special.



Well, first let me tell you to calm down. Take a deep breath! What you’re feeling has become normal for today’s parents, and you’re certainly not alone. It’s the result of longer work hours, fewer vacations, and economic inflation. We’re working harder than ever, and it seems like all that work’s going nowhere except away from our children. But trust me, life’s full of unique opportunities to bond with your kids, and many of them won’t cost you a thing! Stumped for ideas? Here’s a few you can try in those wee moments you have together, even when you’re on the move.



Silly Songs
Do you remember any kids songs from your childhood? Maybe you’re young enough that you grew up singing with a giant purple dinosaur? Music is a part of any culture, and will always remain a free way to have fun. Singing some goofy songs with your kids is a great way to bring out some smiles!

Where/When to Play
The great thing about music is that it can be made from the human body at any time. You could try singing some of the silliest songs you know in the car on the way to and from school or soccer practice. You could sing them while you give your kids their bath, or when you help make their bed in the morning.

Make it Different!
Try seeing if you can make up new lines or verses, and hold contests between kids to see who can make up the silliest new lines. Reward with stickers! Also, try making up funny dances to each song, and see who can dance the longest.

Which Ones?

Need to brush up on your kids’ song repertoire? Here are a few good ones to try:
The Ants Go Marching One by One
On Top of Spaghetti
Great Green Globs of Greasy Grimy Gopher Guts
Down by the Bay







I Spy
Oh, what memories this one brings back! “I spy with my little eye…” This is a timeless game that has been enjoyed for many generations, and hopefully will be for many more to come.

When/Where to Play
Just like singing, I Spy is a game that can be played at just about any time. You can also use it to shorten those long waits in grocery and bank lines, red lights, etc.

Make it Different!
Try and up the challenge by limiting what you can “spy.” Try only spying living things, only round things, only blue things, etc. This can help keep the game tricky enough to be interesting, and help expand your little ones’ ability to think outside the box.

What to Try?
Still not sure what to spy? Start simple, with things your children are familiar with, like things around your house. “I spy with my little eye something small and long….it’s got white bristles…you use it in your mouth…give up? It’s a toothbrush!” Make sure you reward not only right answers, but honest attempts. Remember, kids need to feel like they’re good at things. It makes them eager to keep learning new things!





Map Time
“Are we there yet?” is the penultimate question of bored kids everywhere. Kids are fascinated with maps—treasure maps in particular are the fodder of many a daydream. You can use this captivation to your advantage as a way to spend the time you do have with your kids doing something not only fun, but conducive to life skills.

When/Where to Play
Maps can be made of just about anything! Your house, the grocery store, the way to school, and the park are just a few of the places your family can make maps of together.

Make it Different!
Try coming up with funny nicknames for different buildings, rooms, or landmarks. Let your kids pick some out, and mark them down on their “map” with brightly colored pencils. You can let older kids try to make up their own secret codes and symbols to mark their maps with.

What to Try
Give your kids a sheet of paper and some pencils to have them draw their “map” as you drive through town. Next time, when they ask “are we there yet?” you can tell them to look at their maps and guess how far they have to go. Or better yet, you can ask them how far away you are! Also, on a weekend when you have time, buy some small treat for your kids and hide it somewhere in your house or at the park. Quietly sneak a peek at their maps and write a big, red letter X to mark the spot. When they wake up, have them go on a treasure hunt with you!



Of course, many of us may never be able to spend the kind of time that we want to with our children. We’re just too fast-paced a culture. But with a little bit of ingenuity, you can turn just about any spare minute into quality time with the little ones. And remember, the very best way to let any kid know you’re there is with plenty of hugs, kisses, and “I love you’s”!

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