"Spend some good time with your kids today, so tomorrow, you won't have to wait for visiting day." - Sent to me recently

Are you familiar with the myth of quality time of quantity time? It's a myth because kids spell love t-i-m-e.

Is the popular country song by Kenny Chesney "There Goes My LIfe" the transition from child to young adult leaving the nest is about 5 seconds of music. It captures just how fast the timme goes.

I was talking with a friend the other day whose kids are now their 20's. He asked me "Do you know how quick it goes?" I snapped my fingers and said "Yeah, like that!" And he said "No, faster..."

He's right. Blink and it will be gone.

Instead of blinking, spend the time now. Now, today.

I never want to ignore the magic words of "Daddy, will you play with me?" I never want to reach the day when I stop dropping everything to say "Sure, son, let's."

How to play with them

Sometimes parents get confused or nervous about how to play with their kids. Here are two words of advice: follow them. Let them lead and set the tone and you follow.

Go do it now, before they no longer want you to.

Visit ParentingYourTeenager.com for tips and tools for thriving during the teen years. You can also subscribe to our f*r*e*e 5 day e-program on The Top 5 Things to Never Say to Your Teenager, from parenting coach and expert Jeff Herring .