I’m a big believer of telling my kids I love them, but I’m an even bigger believer of showing your kids with your actions. After all, we’re always telling our kids that actions speak louder than words, so we should be giving our kids the example.
I decided to come up with some easy ideas to show your kids love that you can do every day.
These aren’t complicated, they don’t take up a lot of time, and if you can check these things off your list every day, you can feel confident that your kids will go to bed at night feeling loved.
And, what more does a parent want?
So here are 15 things you can do every single day to show your kids that you love them.
1. Compliment them on something they said or did.
Everyone loves a compliment and kids are no exception. Notice the good things that your kids say or do, and point it out in a compliment.
2. Give hugs when they come and go.
It’s so easy with the busy lives we lead to forgetting something so simple. I never let my kids walk out the door for school without a hug, and when they come back home they get another one.
This is especially helpful on days when there is conflict in the mornings. At least they know that mom still loves them despite whatever happened that morning.
3. Double your eye contact with them.
Parents today spend so much time online, and busy doing other things that we sometimes forget the easiest way to show someone that you care is to make eye contact with them.
Whatever you are currently doing, it’s easy to double that and step up your game.
4. Let your kids know you are turning your phone off and you are free to talk about whatever they want.
I’m on my phone a lot because of my blogging, and all that I do online. For me to tell my kids that I’m setting aside time each day to turn off my phone shows them that I’m there to listen and that adults need screen free time too.
5. Say yes to something you want to say no to.
It’s taken me a few years to loosen up on things that I used to be so strict about, but saying yes will boost your kid’s happiness and let them know that you care about what they want to do too. Within reason, of course.
6. Thank them for being a great kid.
I have one child, in particular, that is hard on himself. I try to make a point to tell him daily that he is a great kid. Because he is!
Kids need to know that they are doing good and being good, and using the word great is a major confidence boost.
7. Listen undistracted to a story.
Ask your kids to tell you a story about their day, or a dream they had last night, or if you’re brave a story from their favorite TV show.
Kids love to share with you things that are going on, but sometimes you have to show them that you are really listening.
Let them tell you a story every day, and they will feel loved.
8. Tell them you have 15 minutes to spend with them and let them plan your time together.
I love this one and it has done wonders for me as a mom too. I get insight into what my kids need for me if they are planning our time together.
Sometimes they just want to snuggle, sometimes they want to play a game, or sometimes they want a story. This is a great way for them to feel loved and for you to get some insight into their needs.
9. Involve them in what you are doing.
Kids love to help, and involving them in whatever you need to do at the time may take longer, but it also helps them feel loved. The other day, my five-year-old loved loading the dishwasher because he was doing something with me, and felt proud of himself after.
10. Make a chore into a game that you play together.
Tapping into your kid’s imagination and making things fun is a great way for your kids to feel special and loved. If they need to do a chore, or clean their room, find a way to turn it into a game, or a make-believe experience and it will help them feel like you care about them.
11. Watch them play together.
When was the last time you just sat down and watched your kids play? It’s tempting to go do your own thing, but when they see you watching them, they feel noticed, and like what they are doing is important.
12. Tell them you are happy to see them when they come home.
Sometimes it’s easy to be weighed down by homework, or responsibility and we forget to show our kids that we’re happy to see them. A friend told me that she always tried to smile and be happy when her kids walked in the door and tell them how happy she was to see them. Your kids will start to believe it if you can be consistent.
13. Teach them something new.
It can be something small like a fact you grab from the Internet or something big like how to tie their shoes. If you can find a way to connect and teach every day, your kids will love it.
14. Read to them.
You can pick a fun article out of a kid’s magazine, or read a book. Even my older kids that can read still love being read to.
15. Have snuggle time at the end of the day.
There is no better way to connect at the end of a long day than to connect with them. And, all kids love snuggling. Show them you love them with lots of snuggles.
You don’t need to do all 15 things every day for your kids to feel loved.
However, the more of these you can incorporate into your daily routine, the more your kids will feel loved.
And, that’s what every child truly wants from a parent.
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More on Loving Your Kids:
- 5 Ways You Can Teach Your Girl To Love Herself
- A Letter To My Daughter, I Hope You Love Who You Are
- Why Having a Baby Girl Reminds Me Things Will Work Out
- What I Love You Really Means
My Must-Have Parenting Resources:
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- Help your kids by helping yourself – get my favorite parenting book
- Here are all of my favorite products on Amazon
You’ll Also Love:
- 8 Ways to Love The Mom You Already Are
- It’s OK not to love every moment as long as you do this one thing
- Enjoy Your Season in Life: the Parable of the Pear Tree
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Thank you so much Meredith!!! I did not grow up with much of these in my life. I am looking forward to using these ideas with my own children. Take care.????
I snuggled every day with my son when he was younger. We snugged for at least 15 min and talked about his day. We would often get silly. I miss doing that!! He’s 20 now. I’m waiting for grandchildren now so we can keep having fun!!
15 wonderful things which enforce the bond with the kids… Ooohhh how much I wish this time never pass… I want to hold them and protect them in my arms forever ❤