In Toddler Inc., I tell the story of how, as a family, we were excited to take my son to an outdoor park that houses giant animatronic dinosaurs. He was almost two at the time and couldn’t wait to go. We spent the proceeding week talking about it, drumming up excitement, showing him videos, etc.

He was excited. So was his mother. And so was I.

But then we got there, and it poured with rain. Like, it seriously poured with rain. It swatted our meagre waterproof-garment defences away like a storm laying waste to a paper mache creation.

It was so bad that we had to turn around and drive home.

Everyone was disappointed.

But on reflection, I realised the trip was, in some way, a huge success. Yes, we didn’t get to enjoy the experience as we had envisioned. And it ended before it had started.

But did it, though?

Or did it start as soon as my partner and I decided to book tickets? And what about when we discussed how much our son would enjoy the experience? Just that conversation of anticipation was worth remembering, as was telling our son what we had planned. And the lead-up to the event was also fun. So was the car journey to the event.

If I stack up all the time we spent thinking or talking about that experience, there was more to enjoy than not.

I’m a huge film fan; I love going to the cinema. I look forward to some films for months before their release. And that’s part of the experience for me. The trailers, the updates, the posters. It’s all enveloped in the experience. Sure, the film might suck. But it might not.

As parents, we must understand that there’s value to be had outside the big events and major milestones.

It’s about those moments in between where true value lies. The ones that, if we’re not careful, will pass by unnoticed.

It’s not just about your baby’s first word; it’s about the times you and your partner spent trying to get them to say their first word or wondering what their first word might be.

It’s not just about their first steps; it’s everything leading up to that, and It’s not just about being at the park; it’s about walking to the park, exploring on the way, and chatting about sticks and cars.

All time with our kids is valuable because it’s all an opportunity to connect with them in some way. You don’t have to wait until you’re in Disneyland taking selfies with Mickey Mouse.

Sometimes it’s negotiating how many raisins they can have before dinner time.

Think about that.