We always grow up feeling that commutes, chores, and mundane actions seem like wasted time. But perhaps when parenting, these are the most valuable times of all. Just because we’re washing dishes or pruning plants doesn’t mean our children are bored! Rather, they may very well find joy in the small things. It often takes time to realize it, but these moments when we hold hands with our kids or take a car ride may be the most wonderful of all, explains Gretchen Rubin, author of <i>The Happiness Project</i>.