It Only Takes a Moment: Visitation Ideas for Triad Dads

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, love is in the air and it is a great time to express it to those who you care about most. It is important that during this festive season that you remember that your children are the ones who need your love the most and we are here to help with some creative ideas on how to make the most of your time with them. When it comes to time with your children, it is important to remember the deliberate nature in which you must approach each moment you have with them. Visitation must become more than simply being together; it is of the utmost importance to engage your children, take part in new and exciting experiences with them, and create lasting memories that you can share together for years to come. Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to express and grow the love between you and your children and it never hurts to have a few ideas in your back pocket to make your time together special.

For younger children Valentine’s Day is a big deal; a good way to keep within the spirit of the holiday is to set aside time for fun and celebration. A trip to Charlotte, NC provides many options to accomplish this. Charlotte is home to the Discovery Place Museum- a childhood utopia that is sure to keep everyone entertained while engaging in interactive learning. Afterwards, crafting valentines to exchange with each other and even take home is a great way for kids to express their love to both parents in a meaningful and fulfilling way.

The middle school years can be difficult at times; but do not let this discourage you as there are plenty of options for children this age to have a good time while not feeling overwhelmed by parental affection. A good activity that applies well for both this age group and in the circumstance where your children have a wide age gap may be to attend a local sporting event. February is a wonderful time in North Carolina as the college basketball is in full swing and can provide entertainment for children and parents of all ages. Some of the marquee matchups across the state are taking place and a fun afternoon of basketball and quality time can create lasting memories or even begin a new family tradition.

If your children are full grown teenagers and craving the independence and adventure of young adolescence; getting them on board with family fun can be a challenge. Those with children in high school may consider a mountain weekend to engage the teenage spirit while learning new skills like skiing, snowboarding, or enjoy classic favorites such as sledding and ice skating. The North Carolina Mountains are scenic and provide limitless opportunities for fun and adventure. A cabin weekend is sure to provide the intimate setting in which you can disconnect from the world and spend time together watching movies, making s ’mores by the fire, and playing board games while spending quality time together.

With all the fun you will be having with your children this upcoming holiday it is important to capture these memories. Capturing photos and videos of these experiences with your children can allow you the benefit of preserving and sharing these memories for years to come. It also provides the opportunity for you to create something unique, capturing a moment in time that you can cherish with your children and use in a way to express your love and appreciation for the gift that they truly are. I hope this entry has proven to be useful and thought provoking; remember, it only takes a moment to create a memory. Happy Valentine’s Day!

by Benjamin Neese, attorney