The things you do today are what your children will remember in their futures. Today we look at 10 things your children will never forget -
Reading together is bonding time. A time to stop and listen to one another. It's the perfect opportunity to put your little one on your lap, get close and enjoy a tale together. Whether you read the story to them or they read a story to you - your little ones will never forget this time together.
Think back to your childhood - what books did you love to read? Can you recall memories where someone read to you?
I always loved Percy and the Park Keeper and The Elves and the Shoemaker. They captured my imagination as a child and I thought they were wonderful! These are books I love to read to my children now too. History repeating itself. When I was younger I always requested the story Mr Noisy from the Mr Men range. My Dad used to make me laugh so much reading that book. He must have been so fed up reading the same book over and over but he never showed it.
Reading to children ignites their imaginations, they learn new things about the world they live in and it helps to develop their understanding and vocabulary. So when you read a story to your little one, just remember not only does it have an educational value it is an opportunity to bond and it may just be the book your little ones remember you reading to them in years to come.
Looking for some new books to read? Check out of list of books all children should know before the age of 6.
2) You made them feel valued and loved
There are so many lovely ways to show children that you love and value them. It hasn't got to be big extravagant gestures either. Often the simplest of things make children feel cared for which in turn builds their confidence and self esteem to succeed in life.
If children feel secure and valued we prepare them well not only for the here and now but for their futures. Research has shown that when children feel secure they build good relationships with their peers, they play and explore more happily which in turn gives them excellent critical thinking skills.
But how can we make our children feel valued and loved?
- Asking for their thoughts and opinions.
- Giving them a special job to do and showing appreciation for their efforts.
- Listening attentively to your children and spending one of one time with them.
- Sitting alongside them and doing an activity together.
- Writing them a letter. Children love little notes. Write one for them to find.
- Preparing tea together.
That ride out you had with the windows down, playing your little ones favourite music followed by ice cream on the bench over looking the ducks playing in the water may just be the memory your little ones reminisce with you in years to come.
These little things snowball. They all help to build confident, happy children.
3) They got to sleep in your bed when they were poorly
When children are poorly all they want to do is be close to the ones they love the most. Do you remember sleeping in your parents bed when you were sick? As parents you never sleep with them sprawled out, breathing heavily all over your face but your little ones wont forget you being there. It's such a treat to sleep in your bed!
4) You got stuck in and played with them
Quite often it can be really hard to take time out to play when we are stressed and know so many jobs need doing but time out to play is important. The housework will always wait.
You haven't got to set a side hours and hours a week to play solidly. You would be amazed at what 20-30 minutes here and there can do. You build the relationship you have together in addition to developing their language and understanding.
You can't beat having fun and laughing together. Play is a child's language. It's what they love to do so when you embark on what they love doing too they feel loved. You're showing them you want to be around them, that you're interested in what they're doing.
Somethings just lying down together and having a talk and a giggle can really give them a boost.
5) They were allowed to help
Children love to help! Whether it is helping you load the washing machine, dusting, cooking or digging in the garden. It may give you a much bigger job in the end and take much longer but your planting seeds in their hearts.
Let them help you! Embrace the imperfections and just have fun together.
6) You truly listened to them when they were talking to you
Listening to you children will show them that you care and respect their mind. Engage in conversation with them and pay close attention to what they are saying. Listening in this way will teach them that they can come to you if ever they need to and know they will be respected and heard.
7) You told them you loved them every day
The three magic words - 'I love you'. Say it every single day. Lots and lots of times. Hug them. Kiss their cheeks and tickle them to make them giggle.
8) They were included
We all need balance. Time out with your friends, on your own or as a couple is healthy and it's good for children to see you doing this too.
Where you can include them. The day trips, the short breaks, the discussions you have as a family. Include them. Show them that they are important and that you want them around.
9) You made them laugh
I saw a quote that said "a family who laughs together, stays together". Laughing is a great way to connect with people. It brightens your day and makes you feel uplifted and happy. This works with children too! On average children laugh 200 times a day.
10) They were praised and had recognition for their efforts
You know yourself when you succeed or you try something new how good it feels to have that pat on the back and be told 'well done you did great'. It does wonders for self esteem and confidence! The same applies to children. Show them how proud you are. Let them know when they've done something good. Tell them that you recognise their efforts they've put in.
There we have it, 10 things your children will always remember. Take a trip down memory lane. How many of these pointers do you remember from your own upbringing? Which people really stand out in your life past and present for making you the person you are today?
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Amy,
ReplyDeleteThank you for this list! Even though my only child is now 12, I was grateful that I had done all of these things (though wishing I could back and re-double my efforts -- those years fly by so fast!).
Even at 12, my son still loves to please me (ad dad) with a job well done, enjoys sharing a good book (we still will read together and listen to audiobooks on road trips), loves to have good conversations and laugh with me, comes to me for advice and confides in me when he's troubled about something, and tells me he loves me (and dad) every day.
I'm happy to say that I truly believe doing these things have resulted in a strong bond and a happy and well-adjusted pre-teen (now hoping this will carry through the teen years!).
Keep up the good work with your blog -- love it!