Biblical Answer

The best way to spend your remaining time with your kids is to focus on building a strong relationship with them. As the author emphasizes, "Relationship is everything. Everything." (p. 197) This means being intentional about spending quality time with your kids, engaging in activities that bring you joy and closeness, and prioritizing their needs and feelings. It's not about being physically present all the time, but about being emotionally and mentally available to your kids.

One way to do this is to make the most of your time together, even when it's just a few minutes a day. As the author suggests, "Keep Your Seat" (p. 197) and engage with your kids in their daily lives. Ask them about their day, listen to their stories, and show genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings. This can be as simple as having a conversation over dinner or asking them to tell you about their favorite part of the day. By doing so, you'll be building a strong foundation of trust and connection with your kids.

Ultimately, the goal is to parent your children in a way that allows them to grow into healthy, independent individuals who choose to spend time with you because they want to, not because they need to. As the author says, "The goal is not for your children to need you. If you need to be needed, you need to see a counselor." (p. 197) By prioritizing relationship-building and teaching your kids the value of independence, you'll be giving them the gift of a strong, loving relationship that will last a lifetime.