Creating Memories

I think an important thing to do with your kids is to create memories.  We all know that young children don’t remember most of the trinkets we buy them, in fact they play more with the packages than the actual toys in many cases.  The average 3 year old is almost as excited about the $150 swingset you bought them as they are about the small worm they just found.

Because of this I think it’s desirable to create memories with your children by choosing activities and experiences they will remember.  Instead of buying 20 $5 toys, save that $100 and spend a night at the beach, or head up to the mountain and go tubing or skiing.  Do something memorable with your children.

An excellent Personal Development speaker I worked with, Jim Rohn had a good example.  He said that “Most people wind up with trinkets instead of treasures.  Learn to save up your pepsi money for a bottle of fine wine.  Go for the experience.”  Good advice.  His point is that it doesn’t take a lot of money to create great memories and live the good life, just some planning in advance.

I know from my own childhood that times spent with my family snow skiing, water skiing and camping are some of the memories I cherish the most.  I want my son to have those experiences as well.  Treasures, not just trinkets.