In a few short weeks it will be Valentine’s Day. Looking for ways to show your kids how much you love them? Consider these 14 tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
1. Use lots of positive words with your children and avoid sarcasm.
2. When your child has a physical or emotional need, respond promptly and lovingly. Banish all put-downs from your parenting vocabulary.
3. Make an extra effort to use phrases like “I’m sorry,” “please” and “thank you.”
4. If your child is angry, upset, in a bad mood , or generally having a bad day, take the time to give him a hug, a pat on the back or a secret sign or other gesture of affection. Then talk to him about his feelings.
5. Don’t use physical forms of discipline (spanking). The use of rewards and restrictions should start years before a child reaches adolescence so that you don’t have as much trouble during the teen years.
6. Spend time alone with your kids doing something that they enjoy doing, especially young kids and teenagers.
7. Institute family game night. Write each family member’s name on a calendar under each scheduled game night. Then have that person decide which game will be played that evening.
8. Considering getting a pet. Children who own pets often feel better because of the physical activity involved in raising a pet and the constant companionship. This is especially true for children with chronic illnesses or disabilities.
9. Let your kids cook with you. This helps them learn about making good choices. Have them help you with menu planning, grocery shopping, meal preparation and serving the meal.
10. Provide your children with the necessary equipment and instruction they need in order to develop a variety of skills and abilities.
11. Help protect and strengthen your child’s body by taking them for regular doctor’s visits, keeping them safe from accidents, providing nutritious meals and giving them the opportunity to exercise their bodies through regular outside play.
12. Help your children foster positive relationships with friends and siblings, as well as members of your community.
13. Help to develop a sense of self-esteem in your child by providing a steady stream of support and encouragement. Help your children to discover their strengths and provide them with lots of love and together time.
14. Most importantly, don’t forget to say, “I love you” to your children.
See also:
Valentine’s Day For The Single Parent