I believe in adding value to others, especially my boys. So, I love doing intentional and random acts that ultimately encourage them and build their self-esteem.
As adults, we sometimes have so much going on in our own lives and in our own routines that sometimes we don’t necessarily take into consideration what’s going on in our children’s lives.
You know…their thoughts and feelings?!
Do you agree or disagree? Let me know.
Below, I have listed 7 things you can do right now to add value to your children, encourage them, and show them that you care.
Hug them and tell them, “I love you.”
I hear so many older adults saying that they wish they had have hugged their mom, dad, or grandparents before they passed. 🙁 I think that is so sad. Don’t let this happen to them. Hug them and tell them, “I love you”.
Set the table and eat a meal together.
We are big on breakfast and dinner, so we spend tons of time around the table and we enjoy it! They walk away feeling good about what they have shared during our time together.
Make them a card or buy them a card + let them know something special about them that you appreciate.
I leave my boys cards on the dining room table at random times such as Halloween, when their soccer season starts, or when school starts. I normally take my time, write out a cute, personal message, and decorate it with stickers and photos. I know it may sound time consuming or corny, but I will tell you what. They are always proud of their cards and feel good! Go ahead…try it!
Grab a book from your book shelf or out of their book bags and snuggle and read with them.
When is the last time you sat and read a book to your child(ren)? Do it. No, I mean, right now. Imagine how special they will feel! —- Ummm, hold on. If you have a teenager, I am not so sure they really want you reading to them, so you may want to choose a little something different here. Ok? Ok. Carry on.
Ask them if there is something they would like YOU to work on to be a better parent
Do you think you have something you could improve upon as a parent? Just asking. I mean, I know I do. I curse, a lot. Oops. And, my boys get on me a lot. But, hey, I’m working on it.
So, what about you? Don’t know? I bet I know who does! Your children.
I know this is a tough one to swallow, but hey, we all have things we need to work on.
Break out the board games!
That’s right. Go ahead. Put away all the stressors in life and play a game. I recently picked up a Family Feud card deck from Dollar Tree and it has given us some fun (and educational) time to together. Who would have thought my kids knew more popular cities in Canada than I do? Talk about THEM feeling good! 😉 Ummm, me, not soo much. LOL.
Ask them their thoughts on something in particular.
For example, “Hey, Johny, we are planning for the family to come over on Christmas. Is there anything you can think of for us to do as a family?”
See, that wasn’t so painful, now was it?
Go ahead. Get moving and add some value to your little ones. You’ll thank yourself!
