Funny this topic came up today since tomorrow I will be 'bonding' with my youngest at a sports card convention. We have gone to these conventions as a family years ago, but my youngest is the one who really enjoys them. He's bringing a couple of cards he might be interested in selling and has been saving his money for the event. Believe it or not, I truly enjoy attending these types of things so it will be a great day for both of us.This past Bulls season my son and I attended all but three games and most of them it was just the two of us. Sports is definitely the thing I do with him and have fond memories. My oldest is a shopper, we tease that when we shop for houses we have to make sure the closet is big enough for him. Apparently, he needs about three in this house. He's almost 21 but occassionally we will venture out and hit the sales. I must pat myself on the back there, I taught him how to bargain shop very well! Just yesterday he came home with some new pants, that he truly didn't need, that retailed for $179 but he paid $25. So if we don't go shopping we talk clothes and his current job too. He has some great stories since he works at a private golf club. When they were under 10 I would plan a special day to do just with them and one year I took my oldest, who was 5 at the time, up to Chicago for a week long trip. At the time we lived in Florida and snow was a novel concept at the time. Infact,we went to our first Bulls game in the United Center that trip.

Both my boys (and me!) are night owls. Honestly, I'm not sure where their dad figures in the gene pool since he's an early bird. My little replicants like to talk late at night and, as a mom, I jump on any available time slot! I usually chat a bit with my younger son when I'm making sure he actually goes to bed when I tell him to. It's then, untethered by the internet and the satellite, that all the good stories pour out. Nighttime makes it easier for the admissions and the questions that are foremost in his brain to make their debut. He's always been a blurter, but teens become secretive, so I'm happy for a chance to listen. His brother, the larger, quieter version of me, tends to open up late at night, too. Mostly when we are both planted in front of the TV on one of his rare nights in. But, sometimes, he'll wander in during TeenChat with his brother. When it doesn't become a free-for-all, that's prime bonding time, too. Like Laurie K., my older son and I can shop together and that time in the car becomes precious. When I want to make a concerted effort to bond, a trip to the movies works wonders, because even though you can't talk during the flick, a movie must be discussed afterwards. And those discussions can open those previously "sticky" doors.

We have four kids, and while it is tempting to use the internet or do a group trip to the mall (or for me to go on my own and bring things home!) I definitely try and take them shopping a couple times a year by themselves. Grabbing a bite to eat and driving in the car is always good chatting time.

My husband often has business conferences in February to some warm destination, and we have tried to take each child on one of those trips just by themselves. They get a chance to see a new part of the country, travel and sight-see with us, and get away from their routine.

Mostly though, we find that just being around and available is the best way to bond with our kids. The best conversations happen in the kitchen early in the morning or late at night, or while moving laundry around. We both work so it is more difficult, especially because our kids are also busy, but we find that just hangin' around the house means that we are ready when someone needs an ear.

Most recently, our oldest (21) who is in the process of making some academic decisions, got a nice dinner out with mom, drinks and all, just so we could really talk about his ideas and explore his future plans.

As life goes on, and the kids get older, it is even more important to be with each of them individually. My kids don't live at the house anymore (well, my sons wishes he did!) so I will usually try to do something that each is interested in - with my daughter working odd hours, I will try and have lunch with her, go to the dog park, go to a play at the last minute on her day off - and sometimes just sitting at the kitchen table uninterrupted is a treat for me and I suspect for her as well.
Football season is great for me and my son. We text comments to each other all during the Bears games and I wrote last year about my best Christmas present from him: going to the Seattle playoff game. We had breakfast, went to the game and stopped for burgers and beers afterwards. It is very important to have one-on-one time with each of your kids. And grandkids, too - when we had the kids here a few weeks ago, they felt very special to be with us - just them and us, no parents. It was great for them and for us too!

My kids have different interests-my son likes to hike and walk outside, the other likes to shop and do "girl stuff". Neither one of them needs a lot of planned outings, they are very easy going. With only two children it's pretty easy to divide time between them. When we are together, I make sure I truly am listening, and if I can't give them my full attention, I let them know. Evening meals are the best way to get everyone around the table at the same time to talk. I'm a stickler for that family bonding time.