The end of the year often feels full. Full calendars. Full homes. Full to-do lists.
And yet, when you ask children what they want most during this season, their answers are rarely big or complicated. They’re small. Quiet. Easy to miss.
Here are three simple moments kids ask for again and again—especially when life feels busy.
1. “Let me show you what I made.”
It might be a drawing, a tower of blocks, or a story that doesn’t quite make sense yet.
What children are really asking for in these moments isn’t feedback or praise. They’re asking for your attention. Not half-listening. Not multitasking.
Just you—looking, listening, and being present. To a child, being seen matters more than being corrected or impressed. Sometimes, a few uninterrupted minutes mean more than an entire planned activity. It’s as simple as putting your phone down, sitting on the floor, and letting them finish the story in their own way.
2. “Can you do this with me?”
Children often don’t ask for something new.
They ask to do something with you. Cooking. Cleaning up toys. Building the same thing again. Even the most ordinary tasks feel special when they’re shared side by side. These moments teach children something quietly powerful.
Connection doesn’t require entertainment. It requires presence. Even when it takes longer.
Even when it’s messier than doing it yourself. Playing, creating, or simply doing everyday things together helps children feel included—and valued—as part of the family rhythm.
3. “Stay a little longer.”
This usually comes at the end of the day:
--When toys are put away.
--When the lights are dim.
--When everything finally slows down.
“Stay a little longer” might mean:
--One more minute before bedtime
--Sitting nearby while they play
--Not rushing away when the moment feels calm
For children, these unhurried moments bring a sense of safety and comfort that lasts far beyond the day itself. They’re the moments that linger.
A Gentle Reminder for the End of the Year
Children won’t remember how full the schedule was.
They’ll remember how it felt to be with you. The moments that matter most don’t require extra planning, more time, or perfect conditions. They simply ask us to slow down—just a little—and be there.
As the year comes to a close, the most meaningful gift we give isn’t something wrapped.
It’s a moment we choose not to rush.
