Are You Making Memories?

By Eddie Capparucci, LPC, CSAS

Life is comprised of events and experiences. For some, the collection is vast and memorable. For others, it’s sparse and unremarkable.

As a counselor, understanding the makeup of someone’s history is critical in forming a diagnosis. And it’s sad that a large majority of the men I work with, can’t tell me about their childhood. “I really don’t have many memories of growing up as a kid,” is a comment I have heard far too often.

But why is that? How can it be that memories are so distanced and irrecoverable for so many people? In most cases, it’s due to parents who don’t commit the time to generate memories for their children. They are too busy or distracted with their work, problems or own interests and hobbies. Of course, this is not the case for all parents. In some circumstances, chronic illnesses or serious financial strains will make it difficult for them to spend quality time with their children.

Our children are a precious gift from God who has entrusted us with them. Unfortunately, many parents see their children as burdens. This mindset goes against what God calls us to be as parents.

“People who don’t take care of their relatives, and especially their own families, have given up their faith. They are worse than someone who doesn’t have faith in the Lord.” 1 Tim. 5: 8 (CEV)

Here are just a few suggestions to help you create memories with your children:

• Learn to be silly and playful
• Put away the phone and tablet
• Schedule a weekly Family Night
• Encourage them to express their emotions
• Ask them meaningful questions
• Teach them to be curious and adventurous
• Eat dinner together as a family
• Find at least 10 minutes each day to spend one-on-one with each child
• Encourage them to follow their dreams
• Love on their mother in front of them
• Praise them
• Teach them about God and put His word on their hearts