Four Nine-Patch Islands

A recent Red Robin/OnePoll survey of school-aged (6 through 17) children revealed most of them would appreciate more opportunities to bond with their parents. Here’s what they wish they could do more often with Mom and Dad:

1. Visit the beach

2. Exercise

3. Play sports

4. Go swimming

5. Go to the movies

6. Play at a park

7. Camp

8. Take a trip to a zoo, museum, or amusement park

9. Play video games together

10. Go shopping

11. Dine out

12. Go hiking or camping

13. Attend a sporting event or concert

14. Take a road trip together

15. Watch movies at home

16. Prepare a meal together

17. Eat meals together at home

18. Play board games or card games

19. Create arts and crafts

20. Do homework or school projects together

It’s not a bad list. As it happens, these are all things I wish I could do more often with the people I love, too.