Kids can have memories like sieves, you’ll ask them to do something and then 5 minutes later they’ve conveniently forgotten all about it. However, there are some things that they will always remember. These are the things that they’ll grow up remembering about their childhood, the important memories that never go away.

1. Story time

You might be fed up of reading the same story over and over again, but your child is always prepared for just one more time. They might not remember the story but those snuggly moments, cuddled up in bed are something that will last a lifetime. It’s beautiful bonding time for you and your little one and while you might remember every dingle word of The Hungry Caterpillar, they’ll remember the feeling of love they got every night.

2. The Things You Say

Your funny little quirks and sayings are something your kids are bound to remember, going on to say them for the rest of their lives too. It might be because they’re funny or confusing, or it might be because it’s something you say all the time to them. For example, “you make a better door than a window” when they’re stood in front of the TV or “don’t pull that face, if the wind changes it’ll stick like it!”. I’m sure you can remember lots of funny little things that you used to hear growing up that you now use on your own children.

3. Family Meals

Remember those dishes that just remind you of home and your family’s cooking? It’s something that sticks in your children’s minds, whether it’s the smell, the taste or just the memory of everyone being around the table sharing a meal. It’s those moments that will come back to them in many years’ time.

4. Family Traditions

Family traditions are always a great one to keep up. Whether that’s having family dinner on a Sunday, visiting grandparents at the weekend or your holiday traditions. Your children will remember them and maybe even carry them on in their own family in the future. They’ll recall how you did something and how much they loved it, then they’ll want to repeat that experience for their own children. It’s a beautiful thing to keep the family traditions going for multiple generations.

5. The Little White Lies

Yep, you’ve got it – those little fibs you tell your kids are going to go down in history. You’ll be bringing some of them up in the wedding speeches many years from now, trust me! Whether it’s about Santa, the tooth fairy, the easter bunny or what really happened to all those cockerels they hatched – one day they will figure it out and you’ll have some explaining to do! Don’t worry though, even though they’ll remember they’re bound to forgive you and tell the same porkies to their own kids in the future!

6. Playtime

Spending time with your children is vital for their development and building your bond with them. Not only that but they will remember those times as special times. Remember when dad got on the floor with you to build lego? Or when mum pushed you on the swing? It can be difficult to find the time but it’s important that we do, even just playing for a little while can make all the difference in creating some happy memories for both of you.

7. Family Holidays

This one can be a difficult one, finding the time and the budget to afford a family holiday isn’t always easy. But it doesn’t have to be an all expenses paid trip to the Galapagos islands, your kids will be just as happy with a camping trip or a day at the seaside. They don’t care for the money, they care for the experience and that’s something that money can’t buy. Those trips to the beach, museums or holidays abroad will be remembered for the fun you had together.

8. Special Occasions

One of the key things to remember about special occasions is that they probably won’t remember the gifts, they’ll remember you being there as what made it really special. Birthdays, Christmases, Easters and other parties are all great fun for the children but can be stressful for us adults. Take time to relax and just be there with your kid, help them blow out their candles, dance together and have fun. Those are the things that they’ll never forget.

9. Outside Time

Playing outside is just as important for memory building as it is for exercise and fun. They’ll love playing out in the garden or at the park. Building dens with you, hunting in rock pools and going down slides, they’re all great learning experiences and they’ll remember having an active childhood with you.

10. Your Love for Them

More than anything your children will remember your love for them. The cuddles, the kisses, the home-made costumes, the hot honey and lemon drinks when you had a cold. They might seem like little things at the time, but they mean the world to your children. These are all things that your kids will look back on years from now and remember what a wonderful childhood they had.

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