SIMPLE WAYS TO SHOW YOUR CHILD YOU LOVE THEM
Love Unconditionally
Your son’s room stays a complete mess and he refuses to do the chores. Your daughter just got her 3rd speeding ticket and she is still 16. One brought home a poor grade in science. One sneaked out of the house and didn’t get home until 2 am. Safe to say, all these things are going to make for interesting parenting. Through it all, never let your child feel as if your love for them has limits. These are the moments you let it shine the brightest. Unconditional love is the greatest gift in life. You hate what they do or don’t do, but you love them because of who they are, “your children.”
Tough Love
Don’t shy away from the crucial moments, the hard times, or the big decisions. This is when your love is tested the most. A parent has to do the right thing, the responsible thing, and not the popular thing. The love you show now will be reflected back when they are adults. You’ll be rocking your grandchild in your arms one day and your son will tap you on the shoulder and simply say “thank you Dad/Mom.”
Really Know Them
We all have ideas of what we would like our kids to be. Chances are those ideas do not match reality of who they are. Find out what makes your kids tick. What stirs their passions? Help them develop those traits. Our children’s biggest fear is disappointing us. Make sure they know that could never happen. Sit and have a conversation with them without judgment or criticizing them for who they are or what they like. Parents like to “fix” things and children oftentimes just want to be heard. Provide a time for your child just to talk and you “just to listen.”
Affection
Hard to believe, but some parents have a real hard time with this one (many because they never received any). Some Dad’s just aren't prone to hugging and kissing. Some moms are too busy and think it makes a child “soft.” Men are raised to be tough and strong, not showing any emotions; however, your child needs your affection in the most vital of ways. If you don’t hug your daughter every day, chances are somebody else will. If you abandon affection from your relationship with your son, he will do the same himself one day. Our children learn from us and imitate what we do or don’t do. It’s a good bet that you could use a big ol’ hug yourself. So knock down those walls and extend those big arms. You’ll be addicted in no time.
Love Unconditionally
Your son’s room stays a complete mess and he refuses to do the chores. Your daughter just got her 3rd speeding ticket and she is still 16. One brought home a poor grade in science. One sneaked out of the house and didn’t get home until 2 am. Safe to say, all these things are going to make for interesting parenting. Through it all, never let your child feel as if your love for them has limits. These are the moments you let it shine the brightest. Unconditional love is the greatest gift in life. You hate what they do or don’t do, but you love them because of who they are, “your children.”
Tough Love
Don’t shy away from the crucial moments, the hard times, or the big decisions. This is when your love is tested the most. A parent has to do the right thing, the responsible thing, and not the popular thing. The love you show now will be reflected back when they are adults. You’ll be rocking your grandchild in your arms one day and your son will tap you on the shoulder and simply say “thank you Dad/Mom.”
Really Know Them
We all have ideas of what we would like our kids to be. Chances are those ideas do not match reality of who they are. Find out what makes your kids tick. What stirs their passions? Help them develop those traits. Our children’s biggest fear is disappointing us. Make sure they know that could never happen. Sit and have a conversation with them without judgment or criticizing them for who they are or what they like. Parents like to “fix” things and children oftentimes just want to be heard. Provide a time for your child just to talk and you “just to listen.”
Affection
Hard to believe, but some parents have a real hard time with this one (many because they never received any). Some Dad’s just aren't prone to hugging and kissing. Some moms are too busy and think it makes a child “soft.” Men are raised to be tough and strong, not showing any emotions; however, your child needs your affection in the most vital of ways. If you don’t hug your daughter every day, chances are somebody else will. If you abandon affection from your relationship with your son, he will do the same himself one day. Our children learn from us and imitate what we do or don’t do. It’s a good bet that you could use a big ol’ hug yourself. So knock down those walls and extend those big arms. You’ll be addicted in no time.