A “Bucket List” for Your Children

Have you ever thought about making a “bucket list” for your kids of things you want them to experience before they reach eighteen? I think we all have some ideas in our heads, but we rarely take the time to write them down, let alone follow through with making sure they happen. The things on your list will reflect what you value and enjoy. That’s why it is so important to do the things on your “bucket list” for your kids together. It might help you to break your list down into age categories. For example, a trip to England would probably have more impact at sixteen than at six. You could also have categories for themes, such as spiritual, physical, mental, travel, and so on.

Here are some ideas of things you might want to include in your bucket list for your kids:

• Encourage them to grow in a personal relationship with Jesus

• Provide opportunities for them to read certain books, see certain plays, be exposed to different kinds of music

• Travel with them to Disney World, Europe, the Holy Lands, etc.

• Make sure they have good role models

• Teach them the importance of learning to provide for themselves

• Motivate them to value their education

• Help them to cultivate a love for their family members

As you can see, the list could go on and on. The bottom line is to have things that you and your spouse together want to instill in your children. Then put them into categories and place them on a time line. Make your “bucket list” prayerfully and evaluate it each year. When each child turns eighteen, give them their completed “bucket list” as your gift to them.