I left my husband and 2 kids behind for a trip to Greece with my middle son. It gave us proper bonding time.

A one-on-one vacation with my middle child

In June, I took my middle son to Greece on an adventure for just the two of us. While I do my best to carve out alone time with each of my children when we’re home — my youngest son and I play chess, my middle goes running with me, and my oldest and I will walk the hounds — sometimes routines and obligations simply get in the way, and it’s difficult to find meaningful time to connect without the distractions of other siblings and the hubbub of our household.

Pulling one puppy out of the feral pack and taking him on a big adventure allows us to bond while the other two pups strengthen their relationships at home and with their dad. Traveling with one kid at a time allows me to see him just as he is, to share and learn without any intrusions. I do this with each of my sons, but this time, it was my middle son’s turn.

Our trip began in Rafina, a port city near Athens. We romped around on the pebbly beach, visited the Agios Nikolas Chapel, appreciated a lovely dinner, and then went on a weeklong walking journey through Paros, Naxos, and Santorini islands.

We adored hiking along the volcanic caldera in Santorini from Fira to Oia, a six-mile cliff trail full of volcanic soil, pumice, and lava. The views of the glittery Aegean Sea in contrast to the rugged rust-hued terrain, white-washed architecture, and blue-domed churches were a highlight for me.

My brown-haired, beryl-eyed son loved walking from our small, family-owned and operated lodging down to the Fira Port, being careful not to get squished by the dozens of hardworking mules following the same path.

We played “slap jack” cards and made little sketches of each other as we waited for our dinner. We wandered the snaking cobblestone paths in the tiny villages so my son could find the perfect yellow necklace for his girlfriend.

On our evening walks, we marveled at the sunset in silence. Every time our walking guide would utter, “never, never” when describing Greek customs, we giggled — now, it’s something we say to each other as our own inside yarn.

These trips have taught me who my sons are

I’m grateful that I’ve built a career that allows me to travel with each of my sons. I’ve gotten to know them as unique individuals apart from their siblings.

What I’ve learned through the years of doing this with my boys, however, is that it’s essential to view everyday occurrences not as chores or inconveniences, but as opportunities to click. Trips to the grocery store or jogs around the neighborhood with my middle can be just as meaningful and impactful as our lengthier romps abroad, and arguably more sustainable for our relationship as it grows.

While I loved mugging for photos in Greece with my clever and intrepid guy, carving out time while at home will continue to be a priority for me, even when he becomes autonomous and flies the coop.