The magic is worth it, but it's a lot

The real reason we go through it all

A few years ago, I started a tradition: decorating the living room the night before my kids’ birthday.

I wanted them to wake up to a surprise—balloons, presents, decorations tied to whatever they were into at the time. A moment that felt like it was made just for them.

But when it came time to do it, it was already 10PM. I was wiped. And I still had to blow up 38 balloons and somehow turn them into an arch.

No one asked me to do this. I created the whole project myself.

But I did it for him.

I did it for the look on his face the next morning. For the way he lit up when he saw his favorite colors, his favorite things, all just waiting for him.

Was it a lot? Definitely.
Was it worth it? Every time.
Could I have done something smaller? Of course.

But this is what we do.

We go through the extra effort to create that spark of magic.

How parents make magic

Over the past year, I’ve talked to hundreds of parents about how they show up for their kids. Some stories were big. Others were beautifully simple. What they all had in common was intention.

Here are some real, and realistic, ways parents make magic happen:

Everyday routines with a twist

• Arjun lets his kids listen to music and DJ every week. Music blasting. Every dancing.

• Nisha keeps a shared “Gratitude Jar” with her kids. Each week, they each write down one moment that made them smile and drop it in. They read them together at the end of the month.

• Maya, mom of two, writes napkin notes for school lunches. On tough days, she adds a silly joke.

Weekly rituals that stick

• Nate takes a walk every Friday with his family. No phones, just a chance to share wins and check in.

• Liz made game night a tradition and let’s her kids take turns picking the game.

• Samantha does “reverse bedtime” once a week. She lets the kids read her a story instead.

Family traditions to make your own

• Amanda DoorDashes lunch to her daughter’s school from her favorite restaurant on her birthday with a card from the family.

• Vanessa volunteers for one field trip per kid each year, no matter how chaotic her calendar is.

• Archana turns her kids’ artwork into a printed book at the end of the year using a service that does it all for you.

• Mark made up “Hookie Day.” Once a year, he pulls the kids out of school for a spontaneous adventure—think skiing, the zoo, or museum-hopping with hot chocolate after.

• David takes one child each year on a solo weekend trip. They choose the destination, even if it’s just a nearby city with a hotel pool.

• I’ve also heard of a “Family Oscars” night where everyone dresses up, presents silly awards, and watches old family videos.

Remember, no one is doing ALL of these things. Incorporate the magical moments that speak to you and connect to your values.

Why it matters

It’s not just about seeing their smile.

In a 2019 study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, researchers studied nearly 30,000 children from infancy to age 5. They found that certain consistent, positive parenting practices—like storytelling, family meals, and outings—could actually help counteract the negative effects of adversity.

These simple, magical actions are powerful. They help kids feel safe, loved, and seen. They build resilience.

And they don’t have to be big. They just have to be real.

Why its so hard

Most of us aren’t short on love. We’re short on bandwidth.

We’re making grocery lists. Replying to school emails. Registering for soccer. Getting someone to eat a vegetable.

Our mental load is sky-high. The energy to plan something special? Hard to come by.

Magic takes work. And it takes even more work when you're already doing everything else.

How to build the systems for magic

Magic can be easier when it’s built into your life, not added on top of it. These are the ways to keep the magic alive without sacrificing your sanity.

Repeat what works — You don’t need a brand-new idea every time. The beauty of tradition is that kids actually like the familiarity. In our house, we’ve stopped trying to reinvent birthdays. Every year, we bring out the same gold number balloon and a themed tablecloth. The key is to figure out what works, and then let it carry forward year after year.

Put it on the calendar — “If it’s not on the calendar, it doesn’t exist.” That goes for magic too. Whether it’s a monthly parent-kid date, a weekend getaway, or just a few hours blocked off to do something together, schedule it like you would a doctor’s appointment or a work meeting. You’ll never “find” the time. You have to make it. Even small things, like setting a recurring reminder to write your child a birthday letter each year, can become cherished parts of your family’s story.

Put it on autopilot — There’s no rule that says magic has to be handcrafted by you every time. Let someone help you. Subscribe to a monthly quest or craft box that your kids get excited about. Stash some prewritten lunchbox notes in the kitchen drawer. This way you’re reaching for an experience that’s already there.

Magic doesn’t have to feel like pressure. With the right systems, it can feel like a rhythm you enjoy, remember, and have the energy to keep doing.

We’re here to help!

At Parint, we believe magic shouldn’t have to mean burnout. Our mission is to help families experience joy, connection, and adventure without making it feel like a chore.

We take care of the prep so you can focus on the moment itself. The sparkle in their eyes. The memory being made. The kind you’ll both remember.

What kind of help could you use to bring magic to life? Reply and let me know, for research purposes only!