I wanted to find a way to spend one-on-one time with each child routinely without my husband needing to change his schedule.

We found the perfect solution.

Every week I take one child to the gas station/convenience store. We leave early in the morning. They are able to pick any snack and drink they want. We sit in the store’s dining area. They often bring a book to read or a game to play. We talk and laugh.

All of it is exciting for them – the early morning wake up with me whispering, “Hey, you want to go on a date?” Driving to the store in the dark. The seemingly endless selection of treats to pick from.

They count down the days till their next date. It never costs more than $5. We get back home before anyone in the family knows we were gone.