Right now, at the tail end of a wonderful summer, it’s hard to think of how hectic life gets during the school year. Between our opposite school schedules, Miss O’s activities (which we try to limit, but still), and the day-to-day chores that need to be done, days can go by without notice. In those unnoticed days, our families are easy to overlook, too. After all, they’re just part of our routine.
To our kids, however, every day is a lifetime. It’s important to take the time to notice them. To value them. And to tell them 3 things they need to know.
I love you. My own daughter is only 4, so those 3 little words are part of our daily lives already. However, I know that as she gets older it’s going to be easy to let busy days go by without reminding her that I love her.
I’m proud of you. Whether it’s using the potty, sleeping through the night, behaving well at a store, or getting a good grade there should be something you’re proud of during a 24-hour period. Let your child know and he’s more likely to repeat it!
Any easy way to do this is to make it part of your routine. You can do a roundtable at dinner, or include it as part of your bedtime routine. You can even get your older kids to start self-reflecting by asking them what they’re proud of doing that day.
I’m grateful for you. You know those days when it seems like your child has made it her life’s mission to drive you crazy? Yeah. You’re kid knows those days, too. That’s why it’s important to make sure she knows that you appreciate her presence in your life.
We all know how perceptive our kids are (except when it comes to their own behavior). When we’re having those frantic days, or weeks, they sense our stress and internalize it, often even blaming themselves. A simple word of appreciation can go a long way to reassuring our kids, and helping our day run more smoothly.
Don’t worry about the wording, or that you’re not Shakespeare. Just say it. Every. Day.
I love you.
I’m proud of you.
I’m grateful for you.
P.S. Feel free to apply this to all loved ones.
