debt

Making Memories

from Focus on the Family

There are many simple things you can do as a parent to build memories and enhance special occasions with your child. However, when schedules are jammed with activities, some of life's simplest but most satisfying pleasures may be lost. But taking the time to create special memories can help cement a wonderful relationship with your children.

Below are some ideas that have been successful memory builders for many families. This is merely a list to help stimulate your own creative juices. Use these or add your own ideas to the list, but don't let years pass without creating some special times that your children will cherish and perhaps pass on to their own children.

  • Give the gift of time to your children.
  • Schedule time with each of your children and make these "dates" as important on your calendar as any other commitment.
  • If you are running errands, take one of the kids along and talk about what she finds interesting — her favorite game, toy or book, for example.
  • Make a special occasion of taking your child to work with you, and in so doing share this part of your life with him.
  • Record your thoughts, hopes and dreams for your child in letters and journals.
  • Letters can be written while you are pregnant and then given to your child later in life.
  • Letters can be written for special occasions, such as a graduation from elementary school, public profession of faith, special birthday, first day of school or first date.
  • Letters can be written to celebrate a success or to console a discouragement.
  • Even after the baton is passed, letters can be beautiful gifts at occasions such as engagements, weddings, births, achievements and even failures.
  • Put special notes in your child's lunch box or on her pillow. Tell your child how much she means to you.
  • Take special family vacations. Follow the Santa Fe Trail if your family is into history. Scout out baseball stadiums. Go rafting. Or spend time at home camping in the backyard.
  • Make holidays special. Start new traditions, or re-create old ones.
  • On your child's 13th birthday take a moment, or an entire evening, to celebrate the transition to adolescence. Consider presenting a special gift … that can serve as a symbol of commitment to preserving the gift of sex for the wedding night.
Excerpted from Complete Book of Baby and Child Care, published by Tyndale House Publishers , Inc. Copyright © 1999 Focus on the Family. All rights reserved.

Background Information

The Road to Debt
Learn to guard against the four common causes of debt.

Save or Swim
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Drowning in Debt
If you can't seem to catch your financial breath, you're not alone. Sadly, millions of Americans are credit card captives.

Questions and Answers

What is the biblical approach to possessions and money?
Answer

Review Frequently Asked Questions

Stories

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Living in Secret Debt
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If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.
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