“What does the house sound like when they're home?”

Why this question

The door, the bag dropped in the hall, the particular thunder of their feet on the stairs. The sound you'll one day strain to remember.

Capturing it in voice

• ·You don't need quiet. You need now. Record it in the car, on the walk to school, at the foot of the bed.
• ·Record it on an ordinary day — the background noise of your kitchen is part of the keepsake.
• ·If they're old enough, hand them the phone and let them answer it themselves. Their phrasing is the treasure; don't tidy it.

More from Everyday magic