MEMORIES

In a world that is spinning ever faster, where calendars are full and attention spans are short, shared memories remain what really counts. They are the silent treasure troves of our childhood – locked away in our hearts, not in photo albums. For children, these moments mean much more than just pleasant experiences. They shape identity, strengthen character and form a foundation for trust, self-esteem and love.

A child who flies a kite with their parents, pitches a tent in the living room or runs barefoot through the summer rain learns more than just how to do these things. They learn who they are. Such experiences shape their self-image: ‘I am someone who belongs. I am loved. I am important.’

Memories are anchor points in a young life. They help children to find their place and understand their role in the family and the world.

Parents often hear: ‘Spend more time with your children.’ But time alone is not enough. What you do with that time is crucial. It's not the well-organised theme parks or expensive holidays that stay in the memory – it's laughing together while baking cookies, reading aloud under the duvet, spontaneously dancing to your favourite music in the living room.

Such moments are emotionally charged. And that is precisely what makes them so lasting.

When children get older, when the world becomes more complicated or crises arise, it is the positive memories that they fall back on internally.

A child who knows, ‘My mum danced with me in the rain,’ or, ‘My dad spent hours helping me build my Lego city,’ carries an inner safety net. It strengthens resilience and emotional stability. In difficult times, these memories whisper, ‘You are not alone.’

It's not just children who benefit. For parents, too, these moments are like little islands in everyday life. They remind us why we do it all – between work, household chores and everyday stress. Shared memories help us to stay present instead of just ‘managing’ life.

And someday, when the children have left home, it will be precisely these scenes that warm our hearts.

Many parents put pressure on themselves to make everything ‘special.’ But children don't need perfect staging. They need genuine closeness, genuine interest, genuine togetherness.

A candlelit dinner because the power is out. A snowy day when everyone comes home soaking wet and happy. Or singing together in the car.

These are the stories they will still be telling as adults.

It's not the big gestures, but the small, genuine moments that remain in our memories. They are the invisible bond that connects parents and children over the years – even when life changes.

If you want to give your child something lasting, you don't have to pore over advice books or plan the next big adventure.

You just have to be there. Really there. And ready to share the moment.