I stopped giving my kids big birthday gifts. Now, I take them on one-on-one trips instead.

The author says taking her children on solo trips gives her a chance to bond with each of them one-on-one. Courtesy of Sandra Lee. When my daughter turned 9, I booked a sleepover for the two of us at a museum. Now, I make sure to take each of my kids on a trip for their birthday, without their sibling. I love the chance to connect with my kids on these unique getaways. "I wish we did this every day", said my son as we played a game of UNO at the hotel after a swim in the pool, both of us s...