by Rachel Wells
Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest impact – and that is especially true with children. An extra story at bedtime, getting to choose the restaurant for dinner, or getting to stay up late for some one-on-one time is a big deal for kids, and when you go out of your way to do something extra for your child it helps them feel special, cared for, noticed, and loved.
No matter what your child’s likes and interests are, these small gestures can go a long way in making them know just how much they matter to you.
1. Take your child on a solo walk to catch up.
2. Display your child’s artwork.
But not just on the fridge – hang a bulletin board in your room to hang pictures your child has made for you or proudly wear handmade jewelry.
3. Ask your child about their favorite memory and then try re-create it.
4. Hold off on all the questions after school until they’ve had time to decompress.
Most kids will have much more to talk about when they don’t have to do it the moment they get home.
5. Let your child overhear you say something nice about them.
6. Start your own traditions like “family game night” “Ice cream Sundays” “Wednesday bike rides”
7. Hang a dry erase board on your child’s bedroom door and leave sweet notes or words of affirmation on it.
8. Write lunch box notes.
9. Show interest in your child’s interests.
Attend your child’s practices, ask them questions, and do some of your own research on the things they are interested in so you can be knowledgeable about it.
10. Say “yes” to something you would normally say “no” to.
11. Wear matching outfits.
12. Get messy together.
It’s okay to make slime, jump in puddles, or dig in the dirt together. Messy activities make great memories!
13. Make something special for them.
Draw your child a picture, make them a bracelet, or leave a handwritten note – those small gifts will be treasured.
14. Praise their efforts.
15. Make your child their own photo album.
Give your child a photo album filled with photos of their friends, family, vacations, pets, etc. that they can keep in their room and pull out whenever they need an instant pick-me-up.
