Charlie the Cub Wants Time with Mom and Dad - A Children's Story

Charlie the Cub Wants Time with Mom and Dad

By Bill Conley — America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller

Moral to the Story:

The greatest gift you can give your child is not toys, money, or things; it is your time.
Children spell love with four simple letters: T-I-M-E. When parents are too busy or too distracted, children may feel unloved, forgotten, or unimportant. Even small moments of attention—reading together, playing, listening mean the world to a child’s heart. A child’s anger or frustration is often just a cry for love and time with their parents. Grandparents, teachers, or babysitters may help, but no one can replace the time of a mother or father. The most important job you will ever have is raising your child with love, time, and presence. If you give your child your time, you give them security, confidence, and a heart full of love to last a lifetime.

In the forest lived Charlie the Cub, a sweet little bear with big brown eyes and a gentle heart. Charlie had two loving parents, Mama Bear and Papa Bear, who worked very hard.

But sometimes, Charlie felt like his parents were always too busy.

Papa Bear often left the den for days or even weeks on trips. Mama Bear stayed home, but she was always rushing, cooking, cleaning, or working late. Many nights, the only time Charlie saw her was when she kissed his head at bedtime.

And so, Charlie spent most of his time being shuffled between his grandparents. Some days with Grandma and Grandpa on the mountain. Other days with Nana and Pops in the valley. They were kind and caring, but Charlie longed for Mama and Papa.

At first, Charlie didn’t know how to explain what he felt. He just felt something was missing inside. He grew restless. He started throwing fits. He knocked over blocks, shouted at his friends, and even tossed his toys across the den.

Mama Bear scolded him. “Charlie, why are you acting out? That’s not like you!”

But Charlie only growled and stomped away.

Papa Bear sighed. “Maybe he’s just being difficult.”

What they didn’t realize was this: Charlie wasn’t being bad; he was begging for their time.

One morning, Charlie woke up to find Papa already gone on another trip. Mama was rushing around the den. “Hurry, Charlie! We have to get you to Grandma’s before I go to work.”

Charlie’s heart sank. He tugged at Mama’s paw. “Can’t I stay with you today?”

“Not today, Charlie,” Mama said, giving him a quick hug. “I’m too busy.”

Charlie’s eyes filled with tears. He wanted to shout, I just want you! But the words stuck in his throat.

At Grandma’s, Charlie threw a tantrum. He kicked the stool. He roared. He even hit the couch with his little paw.

Grandma Bear sat down beside him, eye to eye. “Charlie,” she said gently, “you’re not really mad at me, are you?”

Charlie sniffled. “No.”

“Then why are you so upset?”

Charlie buried his face in her fur. “Because Mama and Papa never have time for me.”

Grandma’s heart ached. She hugged him tight. “Oh, little one. You don’t want more toys. You don’t want more treats. You just want them.”

Charlie nodded silently.

That evening, when Mama came to pick Charlie up, Grandma pulled her aside. “He doesn’t need more things, dear. He needs you. He’s not misbehaving, he’s longing for time.”

Mama’s ears drooped. She glanced at Charlie, who was sitting in the corner with his head down. For the first time, she saw the truth.

That night, after tucking Charlie into bed, Mama whispered to Papa on the phone. “He’s not angry, he’s lonely. We need to give him more of our time.”

Papa was quiet for a long while. Then he said, “You’re right. What’s more important than raising our cub?”

The very next day, Mama made a change. She cleared her schedule, just for Charlie.

“Today,” she said, smiling, “is Charlie Day.”

Charlie’s eyes lit up. “Really? Just us?”

“Just us.”

They read books together. They built towers with blocks. They walked through the meadow, hand in paw. They laughed until the sun went down.

For the first time in a long time, Charlie felt whole.

When Papa returned from his trip, he too made a promise. “From now on, I’ll take fewer trips. Our time together is worth more than anything else.”

And he meant it.

As the weeks passed, Mama and Papa learned that it wasn’t grand gestures that mattered most.

It was sitting at the table together for dinner.
It was listening when Charlie talked about his day.
It was playing a game before bed.
It was simply being present.

Charlie stopped throwing fits. His anger melted into laughter. His sadness turned into joy.

And one night, as he drifted off to sleep between Mama and Papa, Charlie whispered, “Thank you for giving me your time. It’s the best gift ever.”

Mama kissed his forehead. “And we will never forget it again, my love.”

Papa smiled. “Because you matter more than anything else in this world.”

From that day on, the Bear family remembered: the greatest gift was not money, not work, not things. The greatest gift was time spent together in love.

And Charlie grew up strong, secure, and full of love, because his parents gave him the gift that mattered most.

Moral to the story poem:

Children don’t need riches, gold, or toys,
They long for their parents, their time, and their joys.
A hug, a story, a moment to play,
It can brighten their hearts and light up their day.
Love is not busy, distracted, or blind,
It’s giving your child your heart and your time.
The greatest gift, simple and true,
Is saying with presence, “I’m here for you.”

Discussion Questions (for parents and children):

1.     Why was Charlie so upset when his parents didn’t have time for him?

2.     What did Grandma help Mama understand about Charlie’s behavior?

3.     What are some small ways you can spend more time together as a family each day?