It just becomes a part of your life. Pointing out the trash truck. Or the helicopter. Or the bunnies—because they love bunnies. You know it as almost a kind of incantation, a magical remedy that can relieve tears or boredom. You know you just have to point it out and they’ll get excited.

It’s a wonderful part of childhood, their obsessions with these things that otherwise seem ordinary to us. Boats, cows, dinosaurs, the color pink. They’ll race to the front window to see a dump truck go by. They’ll watch in awe as airplanes fly overhead. And you’ll get excited, too—almost taking for granted the power to bring joy and laughter to them just by noticing something.

…Until the day when they suddenly don’t care. It just goes away. They won’t get up to see the garbage get picked up. They roll their eyes at the cows you’re pointing out on the roadtrip. They don’t care that there’s a new exhibit of fossils at the museum.

In that moment, your powers fade. The happiness tap dries up. But that’s just how this goes. So enjoy it while you still have it—because soon, you’ll have to work harder and harder to find new things, new ways to connect with them.

P.S. They’re growing up before your eyes. Make sure you see it.

The Tempus Fugit Medallion was created to remind you to appreciate this fleeting time, to make the most of it. Add it to your everyday carry to remember that the most important people in your life need your attention and presence.

Grab your Tempus Fugit Medallion from the Daily Dad Store.