{10 Ways} to Show Your Kids you Love Them

Valentine’s day is a great time of the year to remind your kiddos that you love them!  But don’t let it be the only time.  We know that kids when kids feel loved and valued at home, they have better self-esteem and relationships with others.  Here are 10 ways you can show your kids you love them this month–and all year long!

1. Show them a new experience–whether it’s taking them on a day trip or a trip to a new city, or even finding a new park to explore, show them you love them by trying something new!
2. Make their favorite meal–my little man loves chicken and fries.  I’m pretty sure he could eat it for every meal and not miss anything.  Some nights when dad has to work late, I love a mommy-son date night of fried chicken fingers and French fries.  And I love the time I get to spend with him while we enjoy his favorite meal!
3. Cook them something new!  Introduce your kiddos to a new flavor or culture with a fancy new recipe!  One of my favorite memories growing up was the night my parents made fondue for my sister and I.  We pulled out a rarely used, vintage, orange fondue pot and had a fun night cooking up our dinner at the dining room table.
4. Let them choose–Let your kids pick how they want to spend time with you.  Whether it is watching a movie or riding bikes, it will offer insight into your child to see how they like to spend their time with you. 
5. Have a yes day–This is certainly not my own idea.  Do you find yourself telling your kid “no” a lot?  I know you don’t mean to…but sometimes it happens.  Have a “yes” day.  Anything your kiddos suggest (within reason, of course) say yes to and do!  
6. Have daily time together–Whether it’s 15 minutes in the morning, snuggle time after naptime, or 10 minutes before homework starts, have dedicated time with your child to see where they are at.  How are they feeling, what’s going on in their day?  A few minutes over breakfast is my favorite time of day with my kiddo!
7. Have an annual mommy/kid date–pick a weekend every year to do something with each of your kids.  Maybe it’s simply watching the same movie with popcorn in a tent in the living room every February 28th.  Or taking them on a day trip away from your other kids, away from other demands and spend one-on-one time with her.
8. Make a craft together–It may not last much past a week, but get your hands dirty with your kids.  Paint, woodwork in the garage, make a paper chain.  See how they can use their skills to contribute to the project!
9. Play outside–kick a ball, blow bubbles, use sidewalk chalk to graffiti the driveway, enjoy the sunshine!
10. Tell them what you like about them–speak positive encouragement into your child’s life by telling them the things you like about them, the areas you are seeing them grow, how you saw them be kind to someone.  It will spark joy in your child’s life to hear those things from the people who love them most!