photo: David Marsh, Creative Commons

“My children are growing up so quickly. It seems like just yesterday they were taking their first steps and now…”

I can’t even begin to count the number of times I’ve heard this, and even said myself as I watch my own children grow. This is a sobering thought for most parents I’ve encountered over the years, both personally and professionally, which is why I so adamantly encourage parents to “seize the moment.”

And with the holidays right around the corner, this is the perfect opportunity to do just that.

Once your children have grown and left the house what memories and traditions do you want them to look back on during the holiday season?

• A particular recipe
• Staying up all night cooking
• Reading stories together around the fireplace
• Sharing favorite gifts
• Singing songs together
• Funny family pajamas
• Favorite movies / plays

Think outside of the box.

Be creative. What works best for you and your family?

Don’t let the busyness of life steal your opportunities to create lasting memories that you will enjoy for years to come. There are few things that can have quite the impact as a “do you remember when we…” comment.

Savor the time you have with your children. Be intentional about carving out time devoted just to being with them & having fun together.

And most importantly, let them see you enjoying their company.

At their core, our children want to know that they are the “apple of your eye.”

Nick Hersey, LAMFT, LAPC

nhersey@ GROWcounseling.com