My husband and I try our best to spend one on one time with each of our girls and we specifically set aside time for parent/child dates throughout the month, but sometimes the best moments come spontaneously!
On Friday, we were going on a weekend trip to see family, but it happened that both my oldest daughter and I woke up at 6am while everyone else was sound asleep. We didn't need to leave the house till 9 or so, so we quickly and quietly dressed and decided to sneak out for a mother daughter date.
As we were leaving, my husband, in a very groggy state, asked where we were headed... Emily replied, "Shhhh... don't tell him. It's a BIG secret." I assured him we wouldn't be gone long, or far, and I had my phone and off we went.
We hopped in the car and I asked her where she'd like to go for breakfast. She picked McDonald's (I was actually surprised, expecting IHOP to be her pick)... and so we went for some hot cakes and some talking time. It also happened that the Royal Wedding was on tv (no, this was not planned at all) and we watched it while we ate talking about weddings and princesses and dresses... and how she plans to never marry (her words, not mine), but will live with us forever (I'm fine with a 5 year old thinking that, knowing full well her mind will change somewhere around 15). Then we just spent the morning talking... about her favorite things in school, her doll, when she likes to do things by herself and when she prefers her sisters are with her, and most of all that she REALLY loves our secret time together.
I believe strongly that I can't expect to have a healthy relationship with my girls when they are 15 or 25 or 35 if I don't spend time building a relationship with them, listening to them (even if it's just listening to all the reasons Pinkie Pie Pony is more fun than Rainbow Dash), if I don't spend time investing in building a relationship when she's 5. Every child wants a parent who really listens to them, so right now that is my goal so she knows as she grows up that I'm still there loving her and listening.
Written by Kristina Light