As parents with more than one child, we have to focus on making each child feel special in their own individual way. It takes effort to get one on one time since we are outnumbered, but we have made it a priority. My husband and I take turns keeping the others while sending one child out with Mommy or Daddy. We also get help from grandparents and aunts meaning that we get one on one time, but whoever stays with family also gets special attention.

There are plenty of fun things to do with your little ones, and you can spend money or keep it free. Here is a list of ideas, but the list is never-ending! Get creative, and enjoy it.

• Go for a walk.
• Play at the park.
• Go grab food or dessert (or both!).
• Turn chores into special time:
  • Get your hair cut together.
  • Take your child to the grocery and let them help.
  • Go to Lowes to pick up items for a fun project.
  • Let your child help with the fun project.
  • Shop for new clothes or shoes for school.
  • Do yard work while teaching them how and why you are doing it.
  • Work on the car together.
• Go see a movie.
• Get pedicures together.
• Explore the library.
• Search for a place that has story times.
• Check out local attractions like museums, zoos, and aquariums.
• Find a cool train track, and have a picnic while you wait for trains to pass (make sure it is a track that is still in use).

Now here is the most important part of making sure your child feels special and that the time together turns into a long-term good memory.

• Talk about what you are doing while you are doing it. “I’m glad that we get some time to see a movie just the two of us.” “I love when I get to have lunch with just you so we can have time to talk.” “It makes my heart happy to hold your hand at the park.”
• Talk about what you did after you did it. “”Buddy, what was your favorite thing about our date?” “I loved the big smile you gave me when you pumped your legs on the swing like a big boy.” “What made you laugh today?” “I laughed when you had a chocolate ice cream mustache.”
• Let your child tell the rest of the family about your date. We talk as a family at dinner time, so this is a great time to give our little ones the opportunity to tell stories. We prompt the topic and let them talk about it. We try not to worry about one getting jealous, because they all get cool opportunities often.
• Talk about your special date in calm moments. I love to talk to my little ones in their bed when they are all snuggled up and starting to relax. I obviously have no way of knowing, but I like to believe it helps them have good dreams. Your child needs to hear how much you love them, appreciate them, and enjoy spending time with them.

You can never spoil your child too much in this scenario. You are building self-esteem, self-confidence, self-worth, and so much more by showing them early how important they are to you. You teach them about their good qualities and help them understand what makes them happy. Enjoy this time! It is extremely important for them, but it is very special for you too!