Let’s face it. Children this day and age face a lot of negativity.
“I am so grateful to have you in my life.”
Try to think back when you were growing up and had almost no control over your life. You were dependent on the adults around you for everything and were often given no say even over the littlest things. It is important to let your child know just how vital he/she is to you and to everyone in his/her life. Find examples on a regular basis that emphasize this fact. For example, is your child often considerate of others? Thank him/her for helping you find your keys, for assisting with younger siblings, or even just for learning how to put others first.
“What a wonderful job!”
It’s very easy as parents to be critical of our children. Often it takes less time and energy to correct their mistakes than to find something encouraging to praise. Children need compliments just as much as we do. In fact, they need them even more. These are their formidable years, and they will carry their failures with them along with their successes.
“I love you.”
Of course, this is an obvious example. However, if you did not grow up in an affectionate home, this is something you lacked as a child. We all hope that our loved ones cherish us, and there are so many ways to demonstrate this. A quick hug, a reassuring hand on the shoulder, and even a warm smile from across the room are simple ways to show just how much love you have for your child.
“This reminded me of you.”
It’s almost silly how little it takes to entertain us. Among my immediate family, my husband and our teenage children, we often send funny pictures, videos, and memes that we know will entertain the other person. Let him/her know that you pay attention to his/her likes and dislikes, and more importantly, that you think of him/her during the busyness of your day.
“I miss you.”
This ties in with the previous example, yet these three words are just as important as “I love you.” Knowing someone is thinking of us and is looking forward to seeing us can often be the highlight of our day. As previously mentioned, do you ever see or hear something that reminds you of your child? Then take the five seconds to send them a message, or let your child know that he/she was missed earlier, providing an example if possible.
“You are very important to me.”
Oh, how we all desire to be wanted, loved, and appreciated. Looking back on all the times this was expressed to me verbally or symbolically, it was never some extravagant gift or special event. Sometimes all it takes is a few moments of holding your child close or simply spending quality one-on-one time with him/her to convey just how important your child is to you.
I encourage you to take the next six days and to use at least one of these examples daily to strengthen the spirit of your child and to cement your relationship with him/her. It is so very true how uplifting it can be to focus on making others happy. You will find it will help you become more positive in your attitude towards life, and it will aid you in finding that these statements are also true about yourself.
