Obesity-proofing our children 185 opportunity to any parents who might be interested because it does not appear to be commonly known and it is so simple. The single greatest factor that builds self-esteem in children during their formative years is one-on-one time – what I call Special Time. Our children work out very quickly that the most precious thing that their caregivers have to offer is their time – money comes a long way behind. Of all the kinds of‘ time’ the diamond time, the most precious time of all, is one-on-one time. How often have you told your child you are too busy to spend time with them, or help them with a problem? Every time you do this you emphasize the message that time is the most precious commodity – defined, as it always is, by its rarity. Give them money to buy them off and send them to the shop or the movies, and you have clarified for them beyond doubt, and for all time, which of the two is the more important commodity in the world. Family time is good, but each child will think that the parents are spending time with the family because they want to be with someone else, the other parent, the‘ favored’ brother or sister. One-on-one time leaves absolutely no doubt that the child is the important person. Oneonone time unequivocally sends the message‘ You are worth the time of the most important people in your life’. Make no bones about it; it would be like God popping in just to spend time with you! How would you feel if God beamed down to spend some time with you and your friends? You would all feel honored, but deep down you would wonder.‘ Which of us did he really want to visit the most’? But if God beamed down when you were alone, there would be no doubt – and how special would you feel? While I am on the subject, note that Special Time is not having your kid tag along while you do your thing. Special one-on-one time only counts if you are doing something your child wants to do. If you are