We are all on this parenting journey. Whether we live in Boulder, Crested Butte, Seattle, Martha’s Vineyard, or somewhere else, we all want to know what is most important to our kids. What really matters? We have so much going on in our lives: we juggle work, after school activities, how to cook a healthy meal at night (or for breakfast for those picky eaters–Kai), how to get in that yoga class, etc. So with all these things going on what really makes the biggest impact on our kids? What will they remember? What supports them the most?

I was inspired by a post on www.handsfreemama.com where she posted about her plans for a “Hands Free Summer” and included this list created by a long time teacher, Erin Kurt. Erin asked her students each year, for 16 years, what they really want their parents to do with them. What really matter? Get ready. Get set. Get psyched, because I bet you are already doing some of these things and you can easily add a few more. It makes a difference to our kids. It is what matters most…

The Top Ten Things Kids Really Want Their Parents To Do With Them

1. Come into my bedroom at night, tuck me in and sing me a song. Also tell me stories about when you were little.
2. Give me hugs and kisses and sit and talk with me privately.
3. Spend quality time just with me, not with my brothers and sisters around.
4. Give me nutritious food so I can grow up healthy.
5. At dinner talk about what we could do together on the weekend.
6. At night talk to me about about anything; love, school, family etc.
7. Let me play outside a lot.
8. Cuddle under a blanket and watch our favorite TV show together.
9. Discipline me. It makes me feel like you care.
10. Leave special messages in my desk or lunch

The original article by Erin Kurt can be found here. This recent article by handsfreemama.com inspires me, is where you can find the list I found originally, and can be found here.

Maybe the lesson is that life is really simple. The things we need to feel whole and loved are simple. We don’t have to beat ourselves up over the small things–instead just connect with your kids in as many ways as possible. So what is one thing you can do that is on this list to make a difference in your child’s life? I think I will work on #5 and start talking more about what we want to do together this summer. Though tonight #8 sure was fun! We watched Apollo 13 [my kids are 8 and 10] together and I spent time just snuggling with my 8 year old on the floor. I love movie nights!