As a mom, wife, house cleaner, chef (in the loosest sense of the word), teacher, organizer, landscaper/gardener, shopper, etc. I often forget the key ingredient in serving my kids. Time.

Mostly, the activity you choose to do with your child(ren) is not all that important. You can do the simplest things, the cheapest things, the oldest tricks in the book, and they will probably remember this one thing above all else:

My mom (or dad, or grandparent, etc.) did this activity WITH me.

This means that we don’t have to kill ourselves gathering tons of stuff for the perfect craft. We don’t have to spend half of the week’s paycheck to buy them “the greatest toy ever!” Your time is worth more to your child than money.

So be encouraged. All you have to do to be the best mom is to round up your kids, let them sit on your lap or on the bed next to you, and talk. Or read. Or see who can make the funniest face. Or teach them some simple words in sign language. Or pretend you’re in one of those funny photo booths at the mall and have a crazy photo shoot. Or let them tell you the ingredients for what they think would make a great meal or snack (you might write this down because this can get pretty hilarious).

Grandma and the girls playing Sorry

Take a few minutes today to spend with your kids and see what a difference it can make. What is your favorite activity to do with your kids when you only have a few minutes to spare?