At bedtime, I tucked my 5-year-old daughter into bed and asked, “What was your favorite present today?” She thought for a moment, then said, “Spending the day with you, mummy.” My heart melted. But then, with a giggle, she added, “Haha, not really, it was the Lego cupcake set.” I laughed, realizing her priorities still centered on the joys of childhood.

She then flipped through her Peppa Pig book, engrossed in the story. It was a reminder of how children’s emotions can shift so quickly between love and play. I sat beside her, cherishing the quiet moment together.

As she grew sleepy, I kissed her goodnight and realized that the best gift wasn’t the toys, but these precious moments with her. These everyday exchanges would stay with me forever