“The best inheritance a parent can give his children is a few minutes of his time each day.” (O.A. Battista)

We want to provide for our families. We know there are financial responsibilities that must be cared for. We have jobs, mortgages, car payments, insurance, soccer practices, dinners to prepare, dishes to wash, lunches to pack, new shoes to purchase, and parent/teacher meetings to attend.

There’s nothing wrong with any of those things in and of themselves. The problem arises when we allow them (and our anxiety about them) to take precedent over who we’re doing these things for in the first place. Your family wants your presence, not simply the presents you are able to provide them.

Tonight, when it’s time for the kids to go to bed, start a little earlier than usual and be as fully present with them as you can be. Pay attention to them. Allow yourself to delight in them again like you did once upon a time. Just your undivided attention is a gift worth far more than any financial inheritance you can provide. You’ll be giving them the gift of true security.