quality time

It has been said that we should spend quality time with our children, this is a falsehood perpetuated by those take too little time with their kids. 

All children really want is *quantity* time. They want to know that you would rather be with them than your buddies, your boat, your golf clubs, your community service, or your career. They like it when they have you to themselves, but are happy to share you with their siblings. 

They are especially happy to share you with a friend that doesn't get to spend enough time with their parents, it is both an act of compassion and a form of boasting. "There is enough of my family to share and still have enough for me to be satisfied. In fact when I share my mom/dad with my friend(s) there is even more of my parent(s) to have."

Ain't love grand.