Each of my four children thinks they are my favorite, because I secretly tell them so. I also tell them not to tell the others. Every time I do this, they giggle. This is just one thing I do regularly to let each of them know how special they are to me and how much I love being their mother. Read on to discover five more parenting tips for helping each of your children feel like they are number one.
1. Be positive: I learned a trick many years ago that has helped me to remember the good things my children do on a daily basis. I tip a framed pictured in the hall. The crazy thing is always crooked. Every time I see it, it reminds me to find a child, catch them doing something good, and then tell them! I always make sure my comments are honest and genuine. It is not always something they have done, but could be a quality you love about them as a person. Negative child behavior is so easy to catch. It takes more effort to shine a light. As you do, you will see your children increasingly trying to do the right thing.
2. Write notes: I always loved the notes my mom would write to me that I would find on my bed when I came home from school. It made me feel really special. I decided this was a tradition that would be carried on. My favorite place to write notes is in the lunchbox. You can pre-write them on a sticky note pad, and just tear them off when needed. The kids will find notes on their doors, pillows, and motivational notes from me in their pocket before an important try-out, audition, or test. Love notes make a lasting impression on the heart.
3. Secret handshake, I love you signal, and/or nickname: I call one of my children Fred. She knows who she is. Some are known as Ginger or Larry. It’s just a silly little thing between us that they love. I also developed a secret handshake between each of us that makes the everyday accomplishments seem even better with a double knuckle, high-five, and jazz hands thrown in. Also, when sitting in the stands at a game or concert, I give a shout out of love through a special signal that only we know. Simply being there at all the games and concerts is magic in itself.
4. Go on a date: There are times; even through the hubbub of life, that I can see one of my children needs some one-on-one time with myself or my husband. This is a great chance to get out of the house together. This makes for good conversation and a special bond. Here, they can get some undivided attention and some extra special fun. We have gone out for ice-cream, hiking, shopping, or even just a drive. It really does make all the difference.
5. Special day surprises: Tint the milk green on St. Patrick’s Day. Make a scavenger hunt before leaving on a business trip. Give them a heart attack by filling their room with hearts and candy kisses. Surprise your children; catch them off guard. These are the things they will remember.
Recognize their achievements in special ways. Throw in a few practical jokes that will have them guessing. Fun and laughter always seems to do the trick. Anything you can do to bring you closer to your children and to let them know how special they are to you is worth trying. Be creative and have fun. Your children will feel your love for them and return it, unconditionally.
Jodie Herrera is a former elementary school teacher and current stay-at-home mom. She has four children and loves to write about family fun. Check out her blog at [http://boredombustersblog.com] to find other great ideas for family fun.
