The Little Moments Are the Big Moments: Why Family Connection Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

As parents, I think sometimes we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to make memories.

We plan the vacations. We schedule the family outings. We search for the perfect activity. We take the pictures.

But when I think about some of my favorite moments with my own kids, they aren’t always the big, planned ones.

They’re the little ones.

They’re laughing together in the car. Sitting around the kitchen table. Being silly while we’re waiting for our food at a restaurant. Playing something together while we’re waiting for an appointment.

They’re ordinary moments that somehow become special because we were actually together.

Screens Have a Way of Stealing the In-Between Moments

Technology isn’t going anywhere—and it isn’t all bad.

But screens have become an incredibly easy way to fill every empty minute.

Waiting for our food? Grab the phone.

Long car ride? Turn on a screen.

Sitting in a waiting room? Find something to watch.

Standing in line? Scroll.

Before we know it, some of the very moments that used to create conversations, laughter and even a little boredom-inspired creativity have disappeared.

And as a mom of five, I get it.

Sometimes you just need something to keep everyone occupied!

But I started wondering:

What if the thing keeping our kids occupied could also help bring us together?

That’s Why I Created the Duck-links Anywhere Game Set

I wanted something small enough to throw in a bag and take anywhere.

Something that didn’t need batteries, Wi-Fi or a charger.

Something a child could enjoy, but that Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa or a sibling could pick up and play too.

And most importantly, I wanted something that could create joyful connection.

That’s what the Duck-links Anywhere Game Set is all about.

Take it to a restaurant.

Bring it on a road trip.

Throw it in your bag for a doctor’s appointment.

Take it to co-op, Grandma’s house, a coffee shop or the park.

Pull it out at your kitchen table.

There doesn’t have to be a special occasion.

Because sometimes the best family moments happen when we stop trying so hard to create them and simply give ourselves an opportunity to connect.

Play That Grows With Them

One of my favorite things about Duck-links is that there isn’t just one way to use them.

Kids can race to complete the game challenges, link the colorful ducks together, sort and count them, practice colors, work those little fingers and fine motor skills, or use their imaginations to create something completely new.

Today they’re playing a game.

Tomorrow they’re making a necklace.

The next day a Duck-link becomes a bookmark.

And somewhere along the way, they’re learning, creating, laughing and spending time with the people around them.

That’s the kind of play I wanted for my own children—and it’s the kind of play I hope to put into the hands of families everywhere.

And Right Now, You Can Be Part of the Beginning

This month is especially exciting for our family because we’re currently crowdfunding the production of the new Duck-links Anywhere Game Set.

From August 20 through September 10, families can pre-order their game set at a special crowdfunding price and help us bring this new product to life.

Every pre-order means so much more to our small family business than simply another sale.

It means another family choosing a little more screen-free time.

Another game set headed to a kitchen table, backpack, road trip or Grandma’s house.

Another opportunity for people to look up, laugh together and make one of those little memories that might turn out to be a big one.

And because we’re having a little fun with this journey, we’re spray painting one Duck-link onto a canvas for every game set pre-ordered during the campaign.

Our goal?

To see just how many ducks we can fit on that canvas by September 10!

So yes… we’re literally trying to get all our ducks in a row. 😉

Less Screen Time. More Us Time.

Someday our kids probably won’t remember what they watched on a random Tuesday afternoon.

But they might remember laughing so hard with Dad that they couldn’t finish the game.

They might remember Grandma insisting on a rematch.

They might remember the ridiculous thing their brother made out of Duck-links in the back seat of the car.

They might remember us.

And maybe that’s the reminder we all need:

We don’t always have to create bigger moments.

Sometimes we just need to make a little more room for the ones already happening.

Ready to add a little more screen-free connection to your family’s everyday moments?

Pre-order your Duck-links Anywhere Game Set during our crowdfunding campaign, now through September 10, and become part of the flock helping us bring the next generation of Duck-links to families everywhere.

And don’t forget—when you pre-order, we’ll add a duck to the canvas for you. 🦆❤️

Less screen time. More us time.