I recently had the opportunity to go to Calgary. There was a new member of the family that I just had to meet, and snuggle! I contemplated going alone - and really would have enjoyed the trip by myself, but after discussions with my husband we decided I would take our oldest (5 yrs) daughter.
Her countdown started in September for this trip! I was unprepared for how excited she would be to have me all to herself. The plan was to arrive in Calgary for a few days, and then head up to Banff to ski!
This trip was life changing for me. The conversations, and interactions I had with my daughter during this vacation are things that just don't happen when I'm running around with 3 kids. She was able to ask so many questions, and learn so many things that I don't always have the time to stop and explain. I truly enjoyed my time away with Cassidy. We also hit the slopes together. It's her second season skiing, but I had so much fun helping her learn something new, and watching her improve right before my eyes!
My husband and I often talk about the importance of "date nights". We are pretty good at keeping a commitment with each other and getting out "kid free" a couple of times a month. This little trip has made us realize the importance of maintaining "dates" with our kids individually. We have now committed to our kids that on a regular basis they are going to have more quality time with one of us. We have realized that having strong individual relationships with our kids will help to keep our family unit strong.
Obviously (although unfortunately), vacations won't be our norm for spending quality time with the kids, but we have already started planning out some great local activities that we can do. The plan will be that one parent gets out with a child, while the other stays home with the other 2 kids. I'm excited to get this started!
Do you have "dates" with your kids?
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