Make a memory with your children, Take the time in busy days; Have some fun while they are growing, Show your love in gentle ways. -Elaine Hardt

From "What's in a Kiss?" by Martha Mary Ann Rollano. Published in Spirituality & Health Magazine:

My youngest daughter always had me kissing her boo-boos. I did it because, as every mother knows, it makes it feel better. What I never understood was the thought process behind the action.

One day my daughter asked me to kiss her boo-boo when I was pressed for time, so I hurriedly obliged. She cried, telling me it wasn't any good because my kiss didn't have any love in it. I realized then that kissing boo-boos was really all about loving the pain away.

This simple truth, along with the value of mindfulness my daughter taught me, has encouraged me to slow down, to become more aware and present in the moment. Slowing down is a conscious decision to live at a gentler pace and to make the most of the time I have.

When my own mother passed away, I did not forget the love she gave me; it will live on in my heart forever. She gave me life, but beyond that, she gave me love. Although the mortal connection between us is gone, the loving, spiritual connection remains.

With that errant kiss, I realized it was my responsibility as a mother to watch over my children's spiritual growth, and I have applied some basic principles to our relationship. By simply showing my child kindness through listening, I believe I have satisfied my child's earliest spiritual needs. By being genuine-that is, personally connected and physically present-I have satisfied my child's developing spirit.