Got the ideas. The relationship. I even have the time.

But sometimes I lack the intention to just sit down with my child and “cuddle up” with their hearts, so to speak, even if they’re getting a little huge to cuddle. For a few weeks (and depending on how much you like them!–the ideas, not the kids), I want to give a few ideas you could use while you share a snack or favorite drink with your child, or just sitting on the porch swing or on a walk.

The idea is that amidst all the things we do for our children, we just take the time to know them a little better, to win their hearts. (After all, our obedience from God comes out of a heart of love, too.) An excellent resource from FamilyLife (Passport2Purity® Getaway Kit by FamilyLife – Version 3) once counseled that, like a shuttle reentering the atmosphere, we align our relationship with our child before we go into a period of time where we lose our ability to communicate (like the teenaged years can be). Making time and a secure space to talk about what’s real in our lives does more than improve our relationship now. It develops a firm bridge for us to walk on when things get rough. read more