From Bedtime Battles to Deeper Bonds: A Walk with My Daughter
Last night, just as I was slipping into that dreamy, blissful place between awake and asleep, my bedroom door burst open. My 11-year-old daughter, Paige, stood there, wide-eyed and full of urgency.
“Mom, can I please stay up for 15 more minutes to finish my science homework? It’s due tomorrow!”
Half-dazed, I mumbled, “Paige, how many times are we going to do this? Yes, you can. But please, for the love of sleep, go to bed right after—tomorrow comes early!”
I rolled over, mildly irritated but too tired to sustain the feeling. As sleep began to wrap its arms around me again, a thought struck me like a gentle nudge from the universe: seven summers.
That’s all we have left before she’s an adult. Seven summers.
The thought floated into my mind and refused to leave. Seven. That’s all I have left before Paige turns 18—before homework deadlines and bedtime negotiations become memories instead of reality. It felt like just yesterday that I held her for the first time, and now here she is, a determined, blossoming young woman who wants to finish her homework on time—even if it’s past her bedtime.
The Question That Changed Everything
Before I drifted back to sleep, I found myself asking: What can I do to make the most of these years? How can I nourish, grow, and maintain our bond in a way that truly matters?
Finding Connection in Simplicity
The answer didn’t come right away. But as I lay there, the simplicity of it all became clear. I don’t need to plan extravagant trips or elaborate activities to bond with my daughter. Sometimes, the most meaningful connections happen in the quiet, everyday moments.
That’s when I thought about walking.
Walking has always been a grounding activity for me. It’s simple, requires no planning, and creates space for conversation, reflection, and connection. Why not make it part of my time with Paige? Why not use something as ordinary as a walk to strengthen our relationship?
Why Walking Works
It may not seem like much, but walking creates a natural opportunity for connection. It’s an open invitation to step into nature, away from the busyness of life, and focus on each other. Here’s why I think it’s the perfect "Less is Yes" activity for parents and kids:
It’s Free and Effortless: No need to overthink it. You don’t have to plan ahead, pack supplies, or spend money. Just lace up your sneakers and go.
Conversations Flow Naturally: Walking side by side removes the pressure of making direct eye contact, which can sometimes make deeper conversations feel intimidating. Instead, words flow freely as you move together.
Time in Nature Is Healing: Whether it’s a park, a trail, or just your neighborhood, being outside grounds you. It calms the mind and creates a neutral space where thoughts and feelings can surface organically.
It’s Time Well Spent: Kids don’t always need grand gestures. They need your time and presence. Walking offers both without feeling like an obligation or a chore.
It’s Great for Everyone’s Health: Let’s not forget the obvious: walking is a great way to stay active. It’s good for your body and your soul, which makes it a win-win.
Starting Small
The next morning, inspired by my midnight epiphany, I decided to test this theory. "Paige," I said while driving her to school, "Do you want to go for a walk when you get home today? Just you and me."
She looked up, surprised but intrigued. “Sure,” she said with a smile that lit up her face.
That evening, we set out, just the two of us. At first, it was quiet, but soon the conversation started flowing. She told me about her science project, her friends, and her excitement about an upcoming field trip. I shared a funny memory from when I was her age.
It wasn’t a grand, life-changing moment, but it was exactly what we both needed. Simple. Genuine. Enough.
The Beauty of Doing Less
As parents, we often feel this immense pressure to do it all. We want to create magical memories, tackle endless to-do lists, and somehow keep everything running smoothly. But what if we’re missing the point?
Sometimes, less is yes. Less planning. Less pressure. Less doing. More being. More connecting. More moments that don’t look like much but mean everything.
Walking is just one example, of course. It’s not about the activity itself but the intention behind it. The magic happens when we create space—space for our kids to open up, for us to listen, and for connection to grow naturally.
Seven Summers to Go
That walk with Paige was the first of many. Each time we head out, I remind myself that this is the good stuff. These are the moments she’ll remember—not the perfectly planned vacations or the latest gadget she was bought, but the times when I showed up fully present, ready to listen, and willing to let the simple things be enough.
Seven summers may not be a lot, but they’re enough if I spend them wisely. If I choose connection over perfection. If I embrace the beauty of doing less.
So here’s to fewer “perfect” moments and more real ones. Here’s to slowing down, saying yes to the simple things, and making the most of the time we have.
Because seven summers will come and go faster than I can imagine.
So here’s my advice—to myself and to anyone reading this: Start small. Go for a walk. Let the conversation flow. Because sometimes, all it takes to say yes to what matters most is doing a little bit less.
