01/10
Say "yes" to snuggles
-reasons to give goodnight snuggles are so they stop asking and because at the end of a long day to set aside our to do list rewards with insight into thoughts and feelings while making them feeling loved and secure
-and I might add that the moments pass too quickly and soon they stop asking so holding on to this time with them is so valuable
02/10
Waking them up with a smile
-sometimes easier said than done but I know the difference when I wake the kids with a kiss and rubbing their back gently as opposed to starting the day off by rushing them out of bed
03/10
Let them express themselves
-allow them to express their feelings in a safe and non-judgemental environment whether it is positive or negative feelings
04/10
Listen
-really listen, without distraction
-being all present and getting down to their level or just stopping the activity that is distracting you and look them in the eyes as you listen to them
-this speaks to me as I was reminded of this again in a recent devotion - nothing speaks to a child more than spending that time with them and giving them that undivided attention and builds a trust relationship so that they will come to you not just with the small things but with the bigger challenges they may face
05/10
Learn their "love language"
-learning what makes your child feel special and speaks love into their life
-I have covered this one in a previous blog post - The Five Love Languages
06/10
Be open
-allow your child to be involved in decision making and provide input so they feel respected
07/10
The little things count
-surprise them with little things like making their bed, leaving a note in their lunch kit, or an impromptu date on the way home from school - little acts of kindness that show love
08/10
Spend one-on-one time
-book a monthly date with each of your children and allow them to help decide what that date time looks like - special quality time amongst a hectic pace of life
09/10
Keep your promises (and don't make promises you can't keep)
-ensure when you make a promise, you can follow through on it or a relationship of mistrust builds
10/10
Say it
-a child can never hear the words, "I love you" too much - builds assurance of unconditional love
Recently a video popped up that asked the question, "What do you love about your parents?" I didn't watch the video but decided to ask my kids this question.
Me: Jaret, what do you love about Mom and Dad?
Jaret: I love when you spend time with me. Like when Dad spends time playing chess with me and when you read to me, give me cuddles, and movie nights when you make popcorn for us to share.
Me: Jaret, I love spending time with you and I am glad that you know how much Mom and Dad love you.
Me: Kirra, what do you love about Mom and Dad?
Kirra: I know that you love us really much and care for us.
Me: How do you know that?
Kirra: Because you tell us all the time and you write notes to put in my lunch kit.
I am so thankful that my children know how loved they are. As part of their Valentine's gift I gave them each a "Mommy Date." The look on Jaret's face when he opened his card and saw the gift certificate for a date melted my heart. He has been talking all day about planning our date time together. And at bedtime tonight, Kirra got some extra cuddles and we did our special good night hugs and kisses, complete with the kissing hand, love you to the moon and back, and "I love you" where we make a heart with our hands. Reassurance of unconditional love for my children and building trust relationships. I am so grateful for the blessing of being a mom and thankful every day for the wisdom and guidance God gives me along the journey.
Happy Valentine's Day! May you know how loved you truly are! And for all you moms out there who so often feel that you aren't enough or that you are falling short, know with certainty that YOU are ENOUGH!!
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