Asking for one-on-one time

You want to reconnect with one kid without making the other feel left out.

Try saying

“I'm not trying to make this a Big Conversation.” Sunday afternoon, kid in their room
“I just miss hanging out with you.” Sunday afternoon, kid in their room
“Coffee, drive, nothing. Your call.” Sunday afternoon, kid in their room

For each age

Teen (13–18)

“I'm not trying to make this a Big Conversation.”
“I just miss hanging out with you.”
“Coffee, drive, nothing. Your call.”

Teens are watching for the hidden agenda. Removing it is the whole intervention.

School (5–12)

“I want twenty minutes with just you tonight.”
“What do you want it to be? Walk, game, or drive?”
“Your sister will get her own time tomorrow.”

Twenty kept minutes does more than two hours promised.