Your kids know you love them, right? I’m sure they could still use a few extra strokes or simple reminders of how important they are to you. Try some new ways this month to say, “I love you.”
• Surprise them with a new game on Saturday morning. Enjoy donuts and hot chocolate while learning to play the game. Be sure to include the whole family.
• Tell them the story of their birth. Show pictures of how they looked as a newborn, and talk about who came to visit in the beginning. Make sure they know how excited you were when they entered your life.
• Love them despite their faults. Offer them grace freely and often.
• Find a unique quality about each of your children and praise them for it. Whether it’s a sensitive spirit toward a sibling or a quick-to-forgive gesture toward friends, tell them how it makes them special.
• Indulge in a child-specific treat, and enjoy some one-on-one time together. Ask for input and make plans ahead so they know it’s a special occasion.
• Compliment your child in front of another adult. Be specific with an example of good behavior as you beam with pride.
• Praise their efforts, not just results. Don’t expect perfection on every chore or straight-As on every report card. Let them know you notice when they do their best.
• Let them pick their favorite book and read to them, even when you don’t want to.
• Play inside together on a rainy day. Make forts with chairs and blankets or play a game of hide-and-seek.
• Accompany them to walk the dog. Ask about their day at school or a budding friendship. Listen more than you talk.
• Allow them to be messy. Play with finger paints and Play-Doh. Go outside and spray Silly String on each other.
• Display their artwork on your refrigerator or window. Talk about what a great job they did and how you love to look at it every day.
• Put a surprise in their lunch. Include a note that says, “I love you.”
• Get off social media and completely tune in when they’re talking. Refrain from multi-tasking and focus on their needs.
• Patiently help them with homework. Don’t raise your voice when you have to explain it one more time.
• Ask for their ideas when you plan your next vacation. Look at fun places to visit on the computer and dream together for future trips.
• Sit under the stars and talk about the beauty of god’s creation.
• Take off your serious hat and make them laugh. Tell jokes or watch a funny movie together. Tickle them until they cry.
• Offer a no-rules day. Let your kids stay in their pjs all day and eat and play whatever they want.
• Ask your child to sing to you. Join in and finish the song as a duet. Let your child know that you love hearing her beautiful voice.
• Surprise them with a simple gift through the mail such as a comic book, a glow-in-the-dark pencil, or their favorite player’s card. Include a note of “I love you.”
• Make s’mores around the fire pit or roast marshmallows in the fireplace. Include a cup of hot cocoa or favorite beverage with it.
• Start fun traditions for holidays and birthdays that your child can look forward to as a family.
• Get to know their friends and encourage healthy friendships. Take everyone out for a movie night or bowling night once in a while.
• Be their biggest fan. Let them experiment with sporting activities, music lessons, and other extracurricular activities. Cheer them on as they seek to find what fits for them.
• Allow them to be different from you.
• Treat them with respect. Don’t interrupt when they’re talking. Ask for their opinion as often as possible and include them in family decisions as they get older.
• Hug, kiss, and shower them with physical affection every day. Tell them at least once a day, “I love you.”
Books to help your kids feel loved
“You Are Special” by Max Lucado
“Little Things Long Remembered: Making Your Children Feel Special Every Day” by Susan Newman
“101 Ways to Make Your Child Feel Special” by Vicki Lansky
“Oh, The Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss
As a freelance journalist, Gayla Grace loves sharing experiences to encourage other parents. She is thankful for her five children, who love her despite her not-so-perfect parenting.
