by Kim Stairs

Created on: October 03, 2009   Last Updated: October 04, 2009

Packed in two cars, we drove across New Mexico to Flagstaff, Arizona. Dad's head bobbed to music. Cari was in the back with her "travel bag". I was in the front looking out the window at the desert landscape. Ahead Judy and Tom, were in the hotter of the two cars. On this trip we got to stand in awe of the Grand Canyon. The rest of the way to Chicago was filled with music, hotel pools, fast food, and many lectures. We have been to many American sites. It wasn't the places that made it special, it was the long rides. My dad's idea was to teach us during those times. These "lectures" helped shape my values and beliefs.

It's not the quantity but quality of time that matters. Being a stay at home mom, I've struggled with this. Just because you are physically there, doesn't mean you are mentally. I try to find simple ways to give them quality time. Sometimes we cook together. I may even go to their friend's house with them. We take walks to the park, walk to the bus stop, cuddle on the couch during cartoons, jump on the trampoline, and have movie nights with homemade popcorn. We go to their practices and games to cheer them on. We love to go play tennis. We take care of the chores. They get quality time and learn responsibility.

My husband and I cuddle in front of the kids. They need to see that our marriage is important. We spend quality time together to be better parents. Our daughter needs to see how a man should respect and treat a wife. The boys see it's OK to show affection. They know marriage takes work, love, forgiveness and patience.

We would like to take economically friendly vacations. Some ideas we have are: camping, going to a water park, seeing the Aquarium, and visiting zoos a little farther away. The importance is not how much the experience costs or the gifts you buy, but the memories you make that will last a life time.

So remember these tips when creating quality time:

1- When you are there, really be there. 2- The little things matter too. 3- Be creative with everyday things: cooking, sports, and friends. 4- Put your marriage first. 5- Plan mini-vacations for the family. 6- Most of all, make memories and life long lessons.

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