9 WAYS TO LOVE YOUR CHILDREN
One simple way for parents to show love to their children is to buy them something special. But if you’re like most families, your children probably already have enough stuff! Don’t worry, though, as there are plenty of other ways to show your children you love them. This article catalogs 9 ways to love your children without buying them things.
1. Shower Them with Affection
Don’t be shy about hugging, kissing, and cuddling with your child. Numerous studies prove the importance of affection on a child’s wellbeing. Showing affection toward your child is a way to bond with them. When you shower your child with affection, it will also help them feel secure and confident.
2. Spend Quality Time with Them
Do you rush your children to school and extracurricular activities? Do you feel like you’re always on the go? If so, try to slow things down and spend quality time with your children. Just 10 to 15 minutes of one-on-one time with your child will make them feel loved and valued. You could also schedule weekly or monthly outings with each of your children.
3. Pass Down a Favorite Hobby
What are some of your favorite hobbies? Stamp collecting? Photography? Gardening? Fishing? No matter what it is, try to pass a favorite hobby of yours down to your child. This is a great way to gain common ground with your child and open up the lines of communication.
4. Make Them Something
It doesn’t have to be your child’s birthday or a holiday to make them something. You could make them a handmade “just because” card. If they have recently met a goal or received good grades, you could print out a certificate of achievement and get it framed. You could also make a photo album for your child to look at. No matter what you choose, making something for your child will give them something to treasure for years to come.
5. Be a Good Parent
Nobody wants to be a bad parent. But to be a good parent, you need to be intentional about it. As a good parent, you should strive to set limits, be consistent with discipline, encourage communication, provide support, and show them unconditional love.
6. Cook Their Favorite Meal
Number six on our list of 9 ways to love your children takes you to the kitchen. For some parents, it’s a tradition to make their child’s favorite meal for their birthday. But why not cook up their fave food just because? You could also do it as a way to reward good behavior or celebrate an accomplishment.
7. Write Them a Letter
You don’t have to be an awesome writer for this one. All you really need to say in a letter is that you are proud of them. You could even list some reasons for that. You could also point out some things your child is good at doing. The letter doesn’t have to be long, just enough words to get the point across. Handwritten letters are lovely, but even a text or e-mail works, too.
8. Express Interest in Their Life
As a parent, you probably love hearing all about your child’s day at school. Or maybe you like hearing about how they feel about certain topics. Some children may not be so open, but there are other ways to express interest in their life. One way is to ask if you can join them in their favorite activities. Ask them to teach you how to play their favorite video game or use a social media app.
9. Tell Them
This last one might seem obvious. You’d be surprised, however, by how many parents find it difficult to say, “I love you.” Maybe your parents never said these words to you. Or you have a hard time being vulnerable. Whatever the case, telling your children you love them will help them feel safe and secure. It will also make it easier for them to tell their own children, “I love you.”
There are over 1,500 national days. Don’t miss a single one. Celebrate Every Day® with National Day Calendar®!
