It’s not easy to explain the joy of being a parent. There are good moments and awful ones, and experiences you never thought would happen. One of the most delightful aspects of being a parent is the experience of love, says the book How We Love Our Kids by Milan and Kay Yerkovich (Waterbrook; 2011). What better way to love than to give it away?
20 Ways to Love Your Kids
- LET GO OF BUSY:
There will always be a million to dos on your list. Your kids will not always be little or willing to kick a ball with you. Let your agenda go from time to time and put your kids at the top. - LISTEN MORE, GIVE ANSWERS LESS:
You don’t always have to know everything! Enjoy discovering what your kids know and think! - TURN OFF YOUR PHONE WHEN THEY’RE AROUND:
Your kids are so accepting, they won’t tell you it bothers you that you are preoccupied. Be available. - ENCOURAGE THEIR ACTIVITIES and INTERESTS:
No matter WHAT your kids like to do, encourage them. Follow their lead. Remember, Spielberg’s mother let him destroy the garage with his filmmaking antics. - BE WILLING TO BE SILLY:
Kick your shoes off when you’re home. Be light. Tell funny stories. Get into it. Wiggle more. - BE BRAVE WHEN YOU HAVE TO:
If your child wants to climb a tree … and the tree is sturdy enough and good for climbing … well … - LOVE NO MATTER WHAT:
The love you have in your heart will be there no matter what, even when your children disappoint you. Keep telling your kids you love them even when they do something you don’t like. Tell them it was what they DID that you didn’t love, not THEM. - SHARE STORIES OF YOUR LIFE WHEN THEY WILL LISTEN:
Your children DO want to know you. Let them in. They will love it — in their time.
- KEEP THE THINGS THEY GIVE YOU:
Dandelions go in a water glass. Keep the artwork. Anything they give you is a treasure! - ALWAYS, ALWAYS TELL THEM YOU LOVE THEM AT BEDTIME AND GIVE HUGS OFTEN:
Be a hugging family. A loving family. Let love make your family go ’round.
