by Sarah W of HRM Parent My husband and I watched a movie over the weekend that really hit a nerve.  In a nutshell, the parents in the movie had lost a child and during their grieving process, started recounting the things they should have done for or with their child. To have only had that time back - even just 5 more minutes. I got in bed that night and of course started thinking. Thinking about how often I say things like "not right now", "in a minute", "maybe next time" to the kids; thinking about how often the TV replaces potential catch-up time, or how much time we waste doing things that don't really matter as much as spending time with our children.   Thinking about how short 5 minutes is...but how much you can still do with your child in that length of time. Of course, that sparked a whole new thought process and I started making a mental list of some simple yet sublime things you can do with your kids in only 5 minutes.  It's a list that's still growing in my head but was getting long enough that I needed to start writing it down.  So here it is... just 5 minutes.... 1/12th of an hour....a mere 300 seconds...what are you waiting for? Start a Saturday morning family cuddle in your bed Give in and say yes to a "please just one more..." request Read an extra book at night Turn the music up loud and just sing Teach your child to play tic-tac-toe Recount a funny story from when you were a child Play a round of charades Throw ALL the toys in the bath for an extra long soak Learn to say "I love you" in 2 other languages   Head outside for quick game of catch Play hide-and-seek Take some extra time and braid your daughter's hair Chill in the car for a few minutes together before going in to start the evening rush Teach your son how to (pretend) shave Show them pictures of when you were a child Grab a flashlight and make some shadow puppets Paint all 10 fingernails a different colour Let them brush your teeth for a change Infant massage - such great bonding time Make a paper airplane together  Teach your child a knock-knock joke At supper each night, have everyone say what the "best part of their day" was Make a family sized ice cream sundae with spoons for all Make a stop by the photo-booth at the mall Sit up close in front of a mirror with your baby Have a staring contest Hug....for 5 whole minutes....just hug!!! ...