Parents, is it possible to take your child out on a regular date night? Many parents, some of the busiest I know, make this practice a priority. I did this with my kids on their birthdays, and other special occasions, but I wish I would have done it more often, and on ordinary days too. I truly do. Take it from someone who wishes she could go back and re-do a few parenting decisions.

You don’t need to spend a wad of money doing some fancy thing like mani/pedis or renting a boat. It can be as simple as a walk around the block. Anything to let each child know that for 30 minutes (or more) they are your whole world and you are there to listen and have fun together.

The sweet boy “Jacob” in this photo calls his weekly Friday dates with his dad, “Lad’s night.” In this video he recounts for his mom what they did. Their “man chat” is priceless and apparently, off limits to inquiring minds. It’s a reminder that it’s the small and simple things that light up a child’s eyes. Here’s what they did:

Went on a little walk and “chattin’ the whole entire time” (aka “man chat”)

Got burgers and fries, drove to the airport, and watched planes take off and land while they ate

More “man chat”

Dad got out of the car on their drive home to get a horse off the road (a highlight for this kid)

Watched a movie for 1 hour and ate sweets

Played Minecraft together

Had more “man chat”

So I figure the total cost of this “Lad’s Night” was the price of a burger and fries (and a few sweets while watching the movie at home) but the memories, talking, and connection is priceless. I hope this video inspires you to add a little more man chat in your life.