How many adults do you know who are openly affectionate? Or sing at the top of their lungs in the car? Or put on a cape and cowboy boots or dress wildly outside convention or gender? Or get up and dance joyously when their favorite song comes on? Or compliment every stranger they pass in the grocery store?

Kids do these things without a second thought, without a hint of self-consciousness. But like so much of the rest of childhood behaviors, it is just a phase. It doesn’t last.

Soon enough, they’ll be too cool. They’ll be too shy. They’ll be embarrassed.

Understand how special it is while you have it. Understand that it is a ticking clock. Understand that with each passing day, their inhibitions are growing, their social skills are developing. Just like it went for you and everyone else you know.

Tempus fugit. Time flies.

To help you remember that these times are fleeting, and to provide you with a tangible memento that you can actually hold in your hand and ground you in this thought, we’ve created the Tempus Fugit medallion. It’s for every parent who wants to stay present, to stay in the moment, to cherish this time of childhood that will inevitably fly by.

“Long days, short years,” as the saying goes. Don’t let them slip away because you were distracted.

Get your Tempus Fugit medallion from the Daily Dad Store today to start reminding yourself to be present for every moment, while you still can.