936 Weeks: Intentional Parenting and Making Every Moment Count

Last week, I sat in a Bible study class about intentional parenting, and something was shared that stopped me in my tracks. We have approximately 936 weeks from the time our children are born until they graduate high school. Let that sink in for a moment—936 weeks. And if you’re like me, a mom of a 9-year-old, you can cut that number in half. Talk about an emotional reality check! As I listened, I found myself fighting back tears, realizing just how quickly time is slipping through my fingers.

To help visualize the fleeting nature of time, the group leader suggested filling a glass jar with marbles (or candy), each representing a week we have left with our children before they step out into the world on their own. Each week, you remove one. Seeing those marbles dwindle down offers a powerful reminder to parent with intention, love, and purpose, embracing the moments that truly matter.

In the spirit of making the most of the time we have, here are a few ways I’m striving to be more intentional with my kids—and I hope they inspire you too.

Disconnect to Reconnect

Life is full of distractions, and if I’m honest, my phone is one of the biggest ones. Between work emails, social media updates, and the constant pinging of notifications, it’s easy to miss out on real-life moments happening right in front of me. One of the simplest yet most impactful changes I’ve made is shutting off my phone for a few hours when I’m home with my kids. This has helped me in my goal of intentional parenting.

It’s amazing what happens when the distractions are gone: our conversations are deeper, our laughter is louder, and our connection is stronger. Whether it’s making dinner together, reading a book, or just sitting on the couch talking about their day, those little moments matter so much more than any Instagram scroll ever will.

Get Outside and Make Memories

Some of our family’s fondest memories aren’t the ones that were meticulously planned, but rather the ones that happened spontaneously in the great outdoors. We love going for walks on the Greenline, riding bikes at Shelby Farms, and most recently, building snowmen in our backyard during our annual snow in Memphis.

Nature has a way of slowing things down, helping us appreciate the simple joys of life. Whether it’s watching the sunset, collecting leaves, or having an impromptu picnic, spending time outdoors creates a space where we can be present and engaged without the distractions of daily life. It’s in those moments—when the kids are running free and laughing—that I’m reminded just how fleeting this season is and how important it is to soak it all in.

Intentional Time Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect

As a mom who constantly battles the desire for perfection, I’ve learned that intentional parenting doesn’t have to be curated; it can be simple and spontaneous. Sometimes, I get caught up in planning elaborate activities, but I’ve realized that my kids don’t need perfection—they just need me. A dance party in the living room, baking cookies on a whim, or watching their favorite show together can be just as meaningful as a big day out.

However, with our busy schedules, I’ve also found that scheduling special one-on-one time with each child is essential. A few years ago, I started planning “dates” with my kids, and we’ve enjoyed everything from ballet performances to LEGO conventions and even horseback riding. It’s not about what we do; it’s about the time we spend together, making memories and deepening our bond.

Take a Vacation

In today’s economy, taking a vacation can sometimes feel like a stretch. Between work commitments, busy schedules, and financial constraints, it’s easy to push family getaways to the bottom of the priority list. However, I’ve come to realize that family vacations don’t have to be extravagant to be meaningful. Whether it’s a weekend road trip to a nearby town or a full-fledged beach vacation, the moments spent together exploring, laughing, and simply being present create lifelong memories that our children will carry with them forever.

Cherishing the Gift of Time

Our children are precious gifts from God, and the time we have with them is one of the greatest blessings we’ll ever receive. Whether it’s through simple moments at home, outdoor adventures, or planned outings, embracing intentional parenting is something we’ll never regret.

So, let’s lean into these moments. Let’s embrace the 936 weeks or (however many we have left) and make them count. Because in the end, it’s not about how perfect the moments were; it’s about how loved our children felt through them.

Let’s parent with purpose, love fiercely, and make every moment count.