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Most of us love our children, there’s no doubt about that. Still, in the busyness of life we can sometimes forget to do the little things that demonstrate our love. Words can be affirming, but actions are concrete. What we do and the way we treat our children is powerful and has a lasting impact.
“It has been noted that actions speak louder than words. Truth is, I have found that during many situations in life, words are just noise… and actions are the ONLY things that speak.” Steve Maraboli
We are a quarter of the way through the year. HOW THE HECK CAN THAT BE POSSIBLE? April is often a transitional month. It is a great time to check in, assess, and think about how we are doing as a family. What can we do better? How can we continue to forge strong connections with our children? I’m not talking about big and extravagant gestures, but the small day to day things that can make a huge difference. What mini habits can we cultivate to help communicate our love to our children?
It is actually quite simple. What your family really wants from you is your time and attention. Those are the two gifts that truly communicate your love.
Here’s 10 simple ways to give your time and attention.
- Turn off your electronics when you are with your family.
- Greet your children with a hug first thing in the morning.
- Create a bedtime ritual
- Schedule some time to catch up when everyone gets home.
- Make eye contact and pay attention when you are with your children.
- Ask one specific question about their day. You will find a great list of questions here
- Play their favorite game, or read their favorite book, for the millionth time!
- Have fun together.
- Tell your children how much you appreciate them. And remind them every chance you get.
- Leave short messages in their room or in their lunch box. For inspiration check out Napkin Notes Dad
As we move into spring (or fall) let us be intentional about showing our love to those we care about the most. Let’s celebrate our love and commit to doing those small things that mean the world to our children.
What actions help you to communicate love to your children? This is not an exhaustive list by any means. What would add to it?
Yes, yes, yes!!! I totally love this post. Short, simple, yet filled with practical wisdom for busy parents…like myself. I really like number 2, 9, and 10. About number 9, I never want my children to doubt my love for them. So I must tell them and show it in my actions.
I love the Steve Maraboli quote. Oh sooo true. Our actions are super important. Your pic also rocks!
Thanks for the reminder Sharon! You are always on point.
Thanks Kelvin 🙂 Your encouraging comment lifts my heart.
Turn off your electronics….yeah! EMFs are not so good for children and for connections to be made at full attention which they deserve. I think these practices could be for anyone you care about actually!
You are so right Laura 🙂
Sweet post, thanks for writing about this! I think lots of parents want a closer family / to build a deep relationship with their children and don’t know how, so it’s nice to see specific ways to foster that bond.
Thanks for dropping by Michelle.
This article is great and we need to remember to stay focused on our relationships, especially with our kids. Thanks for posting this!.
Christina recently posted…Open Ended Play Leads to Success!
thanks Christina. I think it is one of the most important thing we parents can do.
Great post! It is true I cannot believe we are already this far into 2015! I feel like it just started. These are great reminders to tune in to your loved ones. Thank you!
Ashley S. recently posted…How to Build Up Your Child
Thanks for visiting Ashley. The year is just flying past. Now that Spring is come I would like it to slow down a little.
i love these suggestions and im glad to say we already do all of them. children knowing you love and care about them is so important for sel esteem. great post! #LetKidsBeKids
I lifts my heart to hear that you are already doing these things 🙂
Great set of tips. What you say about creating a positive environment around kids is so important, as is making them feel appreciated and loved.
Jonathan recently posted…21 thoughts from my 21st month as a parent
Hi Jonathan! Can you little guy really be 21 months already?!
Oh Wow those Napkin Notes really made me quite emotional. Thanks for sharing the link and for your very good advice, as always 😉 So lovely to have linked up again to the #pinitparty. Have pinned.
Mum of One recently posted…Preparing Your Child For Their First Sleepover
I know …Napkin Notes is a very powerful story. It is an amazing gift that dad is giving his daughter.
So much goodness in this post. I need to especially work on eye contact. I’m always talking while doing things.
EssentiallyJess recently posted…Along Came George
Me too :/ Definitely something to work on.
I like having a bedtime routine/ritual, it ensures we spend some quality time together away from technology.
Thanks for sharing #LetKidsBeKids
Karen Bell recently posted…Children story telling with music
I treasure the memories of the bedtime ritual I had with my boys. You will be so glad you took the time to do that 🙂
Fantastic suggestions – most of these are things I do try to do, but it’s not always easy. They grow up so fast….
Elizabeth recently posted…Treasure Hunting at St. Ninian’s Isle
They really do grow up fast don’t they? I think if we can aim to do at least a few of these things each day then it will make a big difference.
Wonderful suggestions! Thanks for linking up at the Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop! We hope you join us again next week!
Samantha @ Stir the Wonder recently posted…Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop #82