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9 WAYS TO LOVE YOUR CHILDREN
(WITHOUT BUYING THEM THINGS)
A way for parents to show love to their children is to buy them something special. However, it can’t be helped if some parents tend to overdo this and buy their kids too much! Surely, there are other ways to express one’s love to our children, and we here at Listoric came up with 9 ways to help show love to your kids whether you are new parents, experienced ones or parents-to-be! Here are some timeless pointers that hopefully would be a big help to you and your family!
- Shower them with affection
Do not be afraid to show your kids you love them by way of touch. Sometimes, actions speak louder than words and no actions speak louder than acts of physical affection. Hugging, kissing and cuddling with your child can be excellent ways to bond and in these cases, there’s no need for any words to be said. Sharing affection to your child does wonders for their well-being, and will also boost them with confidence. Above all else, it will give them a sense of security in life no one else could give but a parent.
- Spend quality time with them
Oftentimes, we parents are guilty of not getting to spend time with our kids. While it is true that we’ve got bills to pay (lots of them) and mouths to feed (specifically, theirs), it would mean the world whenever a parent spends time with their child. Up to a minimum of 15 minutes sometimes would be more than enough but even better if it could last longer. It could be as intimate as a conversation or as exhilarating as playing a sport together. No matter what it is, a child will truly feel seen, valued and loved if a parent takes time out of their day to spend with their child. You can even go the extra mile with weekend trips or monthly outings!
- Pass down a favorite hobby
Don’t let the generational gap prevent you from sharing your favorite things with your child! Hobbies are always worth sharing whether it’s something modern like video games or action figures, or something classic like stamp collecting or fishing. Your child may learn a thing or two about the things that matter to you the most and maybe even pick up an interest in them! Sharing hobbies is a great way to foster communication and gain common ground with.
- Make them something
Holidays and birthdays aren’t the only days worth sharing gifts to your child. It can actually be everyday! Handwritten notes to show your love, handmade snacks to share on a random afternoon, and even printed-out certificates when your child meets a goal are among the countless things you can surprise your child with. These will be more than material objects for your child for they will be treasures they will look back on with fondness forever!
- Be A Good Parent
It’s no secret that this tip is essential for every mom and dad to follow, and unfortunately, it’s quite a tough task to uphold. We’ve all been there. The list of things to do may seem long, but there’s certain basic steps we need to follow. Keep your lines of communication to your child open. Always be kind with your words and never belittle them. Be understanding and empathetic with what they’re going through. Provide emotional support when they need it. Be stern with discipline but also be giving with love.
- Cook Their Favorite Meal
Nine times out of ten, a child’s favorite meal involves their parents’ cooking. This is no scientific fact that’s authorized or anything but it will start to hold some weight once you start asking around friends and relatives. Chances are, they will have fond memories of mom and dad’s meals in breakfast, lunch or dinner. Your child can have these irreplaceable memories too when you cook for them their favorite meals!
- Write Them A Letter
Sometimes, the things we want to say from the heart are better said when they’re written down. If you’d like to show you are proud of or happy for your child in a meaningful way, you can write them a letter. No lengthy or flowery prose needed for this one as long as you say things from the heart. Not only will this be a better way to internalize and say how you really feel, but these letters can also serve as keepsakes for your child to look back on in the future.
- Express Interest in their Life
Whether it’s your child’s day at school or them talking about their favorite things in the world, they’ll always love to blabber on and talk about what matters to them. All it needs from us parents are two things – a genuine interest to hear them out, and a thought-provoking question. Something as simple as “What was your favorite part of your day?” is something much better than traditionally asking them “How was your day?” Expressing interest in their lives can not only be a great form of communication but it can also be a way to deepen bonds with your child. Feel free to share to them the things that you find interesting in your life, too!
- Tell Them
As hard as it is to believe, many parents find it difficult to say “I love you” to their children. SOme parents have a hard time showing vulnerability. Others were not afforded the chance to be said “I love you” by their own parents. Regardless, don’t let any of these things (if you are going through them) be a hindrance to the relationship between you and your child. Telling your child that you love them might be the most important thing they will ever hear – and the most treasured statement they will cherish.
