I’ve learned something important about parenting—sometimes, it’s the little things that mean the most. For my daughter, one of those little things is me showing up at her school for lunch. Not just showing up, but walking through those doors with McDonald’s or Chick-fil-A in hand. You’d think I was delivering a Michelin-star meal with the level of excitement this creates.
But let’s be real. Life gets busy. It’s easy to let these moments slip through the cracks, even when your kid has told you a hundred times how much it means to them. And then you find yourself feeling guilty when they look at you with those disappointed eyes.
That’s when I realized: if you don’t plan it, it won’t happen. Period.
So, I’m putting this into action—creating a lunch schedule for the entire quarter. Yes, you read that right. A full twelve-week plan to make sure I prioritize these mini lunch dates. Because if I don’t plan it, how can I expect to follow through? And trust me, there’s no excuse to fall back on when your child has repeatedly told you exactly what they want.
Once a month, I’ll pack up my daughter’s favorite treat (yes, even if it’s McDonald’s fries again) and head to her school.
The joy on her face? Worth every minute of planning. It’s a reminder that the small things we take for granted can be huge to our kids.😊

And because I believe in sharing the love, I’ve created a cute worksheet to help anyone else who wants to plan these kinds of moments. It’s simple, practical, and—dare I say—fun. You can use it to map out whatever little moments matter to you and your loved ones, whether it’s lunches, park visits, or movie nights. The key is making them intentional.
So, here’s my challenge to you: what’s one small thing your child or loved one has asked for that you can plan into your life?
Take five minutes, download the worksheet, and start making those moments happen.
Trust me, the joy on their face will be worth it.✨
Unapologetically, Dorothy! 💛