Two quick ways to show your kids you love them 💕

Last Updated on March 21, 2023 by Andrea

In another post, I shared three simple ways to encourage your kids self-concept.

This week I want to talk about showing your kids you love them.

Showing love is only one part of parenting

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I’ll admit that showing our kids we love them can be difficult as we are also guiding, shepherding, and disciplining. Sometimes when we try to show our kids that we love them, all they hear is the correction or instruction. While we may know that there is love in our other parenting communication, our kids don’t see it that way.

Overall, to avoid our love message getting lost in other messages, the first key is to deliver them on their own.

Key 1

• Text it to them! Nothing crazy, here. Moms, be careful. No hearts and flowers. No mom-memes. Just a simple encouragement for their day or support for something happening is good. Assume friends will see it so don’t embarrass them.
• Yesterday Son #1 had a speech that he’d been planning a while. I texted, “I know you’ll do great on your speech today!” I was showing support AND that I listened to him and remembered the event that was important to him.
• Text gratitude. Something like, “Thanks for letting the dogs out this morning. It really helped me to be out on time. Have a super day!” In this way you acknowledge what they did – even if they are expected to do it – and said how it helped you. The second part is important because it shows you’re not just making a general thank you.
• Just say it. A simple, “I love you” text is great. Again, avoid ❤️ and 🌸.
• Show them! Again, this doesn’t have to be over the top. Simple is good. Rewards for unexpected greatness can be very helpful in showing love.
• A quick hug and “It’s good to see you” at the end of the day can be great.
• My kids and I established several visualizations for sleep when they were little. Even as teenagers, I’ll ask which “place” we are going to use for our falling-to-sleep visualizations. This reminds them of our special connection. My oldest was recently with a friend for Spring Break and at bedtime I just texted a simple emoji of the place we would use. Even if he didn’t do the visualization, it reminded him of my love.
• Consider a monthly “love box” for your teen. This one is great for girls and this one is great for boys.
• Do something for them that is normally “their job.” Did they leave their socks laying around? Pick them up sometimes and just take care of them. Are they supposed to put away dishes but have a lot to do after school? Take care of the dishes for them. These small acts can go a long way.

Key 2

The second key is to be sincere. Kids can smell insincerity a mile away and all that will do is push them further away from you. So pick one of these action items and do it right now!

Remember…

• First, don’t direct or correct with your love. Let your love stand alone.
• Then, don’t expect anything in return. That sort of negates the loving message.
• Finally, just love your kids. I promise they will notice and your relationship will be better for it.

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What’s ONE way you can show your child you love him/her today? Let us know in the comments below. Just scroll to the bottom for the chat box.

With love,

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