In some ways, it’s great that “magic” and “quirky” have become buzzwords these days, especially in the field of parenting. Everyone wants to make their child’s childhood special. Everyone wants to turn an ordinary Monday morning into a cherished memory. Every parent adds twinkling lights, galaxy projectors, and bath bombs to their bedtime routine. But all that magic can be overwhelming even for the most eccentric of people. For others, it’s even more difficult to know where to start.
One parent asked exactly that question on Reddit. “How can I make my child’s life memorable?”
In the subreddit /parenting, the original poster (OP) shared that they grew up in an “abusive household” where their needs were never considered and the child’s individuality was non-existent. They said that as parents, they are currently doing the best they can for their children, but feel they are more on the “hard, pragmatic side of things.” They didn’t have many silly moments or items in the house since childhood, so they don’t naturally think of those things for their own children.
“I didn’t have any board games, and I’d never played one, so I gave him every board game I could find (I actually played my first Monopoly with him). I just saw the funny alligator blanket and thought, ‘He doesn’t have that.'” I don’t know — I’m down in a well of overthinking,” OP writes. “What was the stupidest thing that happened that made your childhood happy and memorable?”
And oh, Reddit definitely delivered.
Whether you’ve experienced it or not, it’s very easy to get overwhelmed by the “magic” of childhood. But sometimes that magic is literally just a parent who plays Uno with you from time to time or lets you lick the batter after making a box of brownies.
One commenter wrote, “Quality time spent with you makes it magical. Otherwise, you’re just throwing money at your kids in the form of games and toys.”
“It’s here!! My teenager loved tea parties, baking, drawing, watching TV, making things, and just spending time together. We always talked to her like adults. That didn’t mean we talked to her about adult issues or followed adult standards. We didn’t yell at the adult for spilling milk on her, or we talked to her as if her opinions and thoughts were just as important as ours. ”
Commenters also got more specific and shared small things parents can do to increase quality time and create sweet, foundational memories for their sons.
“Let’s have a special tradition,” one person suggested. “I know people watch movies and have popcorn on Friday nights (no cell phones), but we enjoy a book and boba tea.”
Another commenter wrote, “It may seem like a small thing, but reading to your child really sticks with you. Even if it means ‘learning to read,’ it’s just you and your child telling a story and having some quiet time with nothing else going on.”
“When my daughter was a toddler, we found a marble on a walk. A few weeks later, we found another marble. I exclaimed, ‘Wow, the Marble Fairy must love you!’ From then on, we would sometimes hide the marbles outside. Then I would see the Marble Fairy flying around. I casually told her I could swear I saw it. I have so many fond memories of searching for marbles in the garden. She’s too old to be looking for fairies these days, but that glass vase full of marbles still takes pride of place on her bookshelf,” another shared.
One poster added: “We made pizza together and I still remember how happy we were each collecting a quarter of the pizza and putting our own toppings on it.”
Most of all, Reddit reminded OP that what really matters is their love. It’s just important to be there for my son, listen to him and take care of him. magical.
Several comments suggested making your home a safe place or sanctuary for your child, including your own bedroom. Some gave sweet advice, like randomly picking him up early from school or shouting his name throughout the house and simply saying, “I love you!” when he answers.
And one parent gave a warning about going too far that many of us trying to raise while undergoing treatment should heed. “My child is now 7 years old, and sometimes he says I give him ‘too many presents.'” Example: I bought a lot of Barbie clothes and accessories. I didn’t have much to grow up with, so I did too much to heal her wounds. She told me that she had had enough and was happy with what she had…I had to do a major restructuring in my head. ”
Magic comes in all shapes and sizes, with all kinds of traditions and silly moments. Just because it’s the most ridiculous thing possible doesn’t mean it has to be overwhelming or win any awards. It must be full of love…and every good parent has plenty of it.
