Have you heard this expression about parenting: “The days are long, but the years are short”? Boy, is this true!!! Let’s make the most of them both!

Scripture

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time…

Eph. 5:15-16

Video

Transcript

Have you heard this expression about parenting: “The days are long, but the years are short”? Boy, is this true!!! My husband and I blinked then our babies were in college!

That reminds me of this verse:

Eph. 5:15-16 … Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time…

How can we create quality time with our elementary-aged kids in this crazy, busy season of life?

1. Be present. Put down your phone. Turn off Netflix. Give them your full attention for at least a part of each day.
2. Be fun. Think about things from their perspective- what is fun for them? Don’t know? Ask them! Play games or go on adventures they would enjoy or read a great book together.
3. Be personal. Teach them things you enjoy- maybe they will love it too! Tennis? Baking? Being crafty? Watching sports? Bring them into your world.

5. Be practical. There’s not enough time every day for “family game night.” So, make every day, mundane tasks more fun. Turn mopping the kitchen floor into “mop skating” by letting everyone stand on a cleaning wipe and “skate” around the floor.
6. Be intentional. Discipleship does not accidentally happen in my life, so that’s certainly true for my kids, too.

God laid out some really practical advice in Deuteronomy 6:4-7 when the Israelites were heading into the promised land:

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

As a parent, I am always learning from other godly moms around me. When my best friend drives her girls to school every day, at a specific stop sign along their route, she prays aloud for her girls. They know to expect it. They put the devices down to hear their mom’s prayer. She prays that they will do their best at school to honor God in the way they work, and she prays that they will minister to the kids in their classes. It’s just such a simple way to make great use of their time together.

So, don’t overcomplicate quality time. Be present. Be fun. Be personal. Be practical, and be intentional.

And, know that your friendly Family Camp Director is cheering you on!

Reflect

1. Are there moments each day that I put down my phone and engage with my child and spouse? If not, what adjustments do I need to make?
2. How can I make day-to-day activities become “quality time” with my kids?

Camper Corner

1. What’s your favorite thing to do with Mom? With Dad?
2. How can we as a family “make the best use of the time” we have together?