Now that we have three kids, spending time with just one of them feels very, very quiet. Almost suspiciously quiet. But those little pockets of one-on-one time matter more than we realize. Research has shown that kids who regularly get individual attention from their parents often develop stronger self-esteem, better communication skills, and a deeper sense of security. In fact, one survey by the Gottman Institute found that just 15 minutes a day of undivided attention can strengthen parent-child relationships in noticeable ways.

Of course, in the real world, "15 minutes a day" can feel impossible. Sometimes, it's only once every week (or every few weeks) that we can carve out that time. And that's okay. The consistency matters more than the frequency. For me, Friday mornings are reserved for my oldest son. We head to the gas station, where I try to steer him toward healthier picks like a protein drink, a protein bar, and sometimes a Prime. Then we top it off with a car wash. And let me tell you: for kids, car washes are nothing short of a spiritual experience.

The best part? One-on-one time doesn't have to be a big, elaborate outing. It can be short, simple, and close to home like grabbing a snack, a quick walk around the block, or even running errands together. What matters is the intentionality behind it. It gives our kids a chance to feel seen, heard, and valued as individuals, and it gives us as parents a reminder of how much we enjoy them, outside the chaos of siblings and schedules.