“The best thing to spend on your children is your time.” – Louise Hart
Life is full of priorities. Some are imposed on us by schedules, deadlines, and obligations. But every now and then, something comes along that reminds you of what truly matters. For me, that reminder came this summer in the form of 17 precious days spent with my children.
It’s taken me four days to sit down and write this post, and if I’m honest, I’m not bothered by the delay. Why? Because during those four days, I was fully immersed in being present with my kids. No distractions, no pressing to-do lists. Just the pure joy of experiencing life alongside them.
For many parents across the UK, today marks the end of a long summer break as children return to school. For me, it’s bittersweet. My children are back at school after spending just 17 of the 42 days of summer holiday with me. As a dad navigating life after divorce, I don’t get to see them as often as I’d like. But rather than dwell on the frustration of that reality, I choose to focus on what really matters: the fact that I’m a better, more present father now than I was in the past.
During the summer, I was acutely aware that our time together was limited. So, I made a conscious decision to make every moment count. We filled those days with joy - trampolining, swimming, geocaching, and even embarking on a family holiday to Bournemouth. Open-top bus rides, seaside adventures, and spontaneous fun took precedence over deadlines, including this very post. But those memories are worth far more than ticking off another task.
One moment in particular stands out. At the start of the holidays, my daughter came to me and asked, “Dad, how can I earn some money for the summer?” She didn’t ask for money, she asked how she could earn it! Her question reminded me of the lessons from a book I read a few years back - Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, where learning about the rules of business at a young age provided so much more development and opportunity over simply “getting a job”. That spark led to something remarkable: the birth of my daughters very own business, a small venture called “Starbarks,” a doggy café she launched at our local farmer’s market.
In just a short time, she’s been baking homemade dog treats, serving “puppuccinos,” and even stocking her products in a local bakery. She’s learned the fundamentals of business - product development, marketing, customer service - and she’s discovered the joy of giving back by partnering with a local dog shelter. Watching her passion unfold has been nothing short of inspiring.
Her entrepreneurial journey even rubbed off on my son, who’s now exploring how he can turn his love of gaming and technology into something that might shape his future. Seeing them both grow, learn, and embrace new challenges is one of the most rewarding experiences a parent can experience.
We capped off the summer with a family holiday in Bournemouth, creating memories that will last a lifetime. From beach days and exploring new places to spending their hard-earned money on treats they wanted for themselves, it was a beautiful end to our time together.
So yes, this post is late - but I wouldn’t change a thing. I chose to invest my time in the most meaningful way possible: being with my children. Louise Hart said it best: “The best thing to spend on your children is your time.” Our kids grow up fast, and for those of us who share custody, the time we have is even more fleeting. But it’s these moments - these days filled with laughter, learning, and simply being present that matter most.
Time is precious, and when it comes to our children, time is the most valuable thing we can give.
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