In a time before the internet and video games, I found myself bored with the usual activities of riding my bike and playing make-believe in my backyard. Living on a main road with few neighbors meant that my brother and I were in constant need of entertainment. One afternoon, we begged our mother to play with us, and being the creative type that she is, she came up with a game called “Court.”

In this game, my mother played the judge and assigned us each a crime to be charged with. It was our job to defend our innocence and plead our case. Armed with a manila file folder and some loose-leaf paper, we retreated to our rooms to plan our defense. Once prepared, we took turns testifying.

Playing “Court” for the first time is a memory I will never forget. I can still vividly picture the room we were in, with its beautiful summer day outside and trees in full bloom. I can see the exact chair my mom sat in and remember its position, even though I haven’t seen that house or furniture in over twenty-five years. Little did my mother know, but that day she created one of the few photographic memories I have of her.

Do you want your children to have long-lasting, visual memories of you? If so, here are ten activities that, if done rarely, are a sure-proof way to remain picture perfect forever in your child’s mind:

1. Have a Tea Party: Dress up, use fancy china, and speak in British accents. Take pictures to capture the moment.

2. Court: Use a meat pounder as a gavel and pick a crime to be charged with. Have fun with the creative case ideas.

3. Dance Party: Turn off the TV and computer, blast the radio, and dance until you’re exhausted. Belt out the songs and hold hands with your children as you twirl around the room.

4. Fort Building: Help your kids build a fort using couch cushions and a sheet. Spend the night in sleeping bags and watch a movie inside the fort.

5. Tent Camping: Pitch a tent in your backyard or go camping in a nearby location. Enjoy the outdoors and spend quality time together.

6. Film a Movie: Come up with a plot as a family and act it out. Have fun recording the movie and watch it together in the future.

7. Create a Photo Album: Take themed photos, print them out, and store them in an album. Your children will love flipping through the album to remember special days.

8. Build a Card Tower or Dominoes Display: Have fun building and knocking down towers or dominoes together.

9. Read the Same Book, but Only Once a Year: Start a tradition of reading the same book on a special occasion, such as Christmas Eve. This creates a lasting memory and brings a sense of magic to the event.

10. Spend the day acting like a kid with your child: Plan a day filled with fun activities like water balloon fights, egg toss, bike riding, and playing board games. Get messy and dirty and show your child that they are the most important thing to you.

The common thread among these activities is that they require your time, love, and undivided attention. They allow you to make your child the center point and show them that they are the most important thing in your life. These traditions go beyond holiday celebrations and create cherished and lasting memories.

So go ahead, create a visual memory for your child that will be etched in their mind forever. Take the time to engage in these activities and show them how much you care.