Busy parents often think that memory-making is one more task on an impossible list. James and Shirley Dobson join Gloria Gaither to share simple ways parents can turn everyday moments with their children into memories that last a lifetime. Listen now. On this edition of Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk, Dr. Dobson revisits a treasured conversation with his wife, Shirley Dobson, and longtime friend, author and songwriter Gloria Gaither, about their book Making Ordinary Days Extraordinary. Their message to busy parents is simple: some of the moments children remember most are not expensive vacations, elaborate celebrations or carefully planned events. They are the small moments when Mom, Dad, Grandma or Grandpa stopped what they were doing and gave a child their full attention. Shirley and Gloria share practical ideas families can use to create those memories without spending much money or doing extensive planning. They talk about homemade cornstarch clay, collecting soil from family trips, tea parties with stuffed animals, camping under the dining-room table, spontaneous walks, family games and other simple activities that become meaningful because parents and children experience them together. Gloria explains that play is an important part of how children experience and understand the world, while Shirley encourages busy families to intentionally put family time on the calendar when necessary. As Gloria puts it, children may ask for expensive things, but what they truly need most is you — your time, your presence and your attention. The conversation also turns to family traditions and the way seemingly small routines can become lifelong memories. Gloria recalls making a special raspberry cake for her daughter Suzanne’s birthday every year, only to later discover that Suzanne had chosen that same raspberry cake for her wedding. Dr. Dobson reflects on raising his own children, Danae and Ryan, and the memories that remain decades later — playing in the sand, bicycle rides, attending church together and the countless ordinary moments that shaped their family. Looking back, he says the accomplishments and responsibilities that once seemed so urgent fade in importance compared with the opportunity parents have to love, teach and spend time with their children while they are young. Gloria also shares a powerful story from a particularly stressful evening at home. Frustrated and overwhelmed with chores, she nearly ignored her young son’s request to come outside with him. He finally told her, “You’re going to miss it.” She followed him…
