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 still riding an ice cream-fueled high.

We were on his annual birthday trip , and just like usual, it was just the two of us. This year, I planned an ice cream tour scavenger hunt across six shops, all in one day.

As a parent of two, uninterrupted one-on-one time is rare. Between school schedules, activities, and the evening circus of family life with kids, most days are spent multitasking, not connecting.…