Showing Love With I Love You Actions
As a mom, I say I love you to my children, Jackson (age 6) and Mickey (age 5), constantly. Hopefully, these 7 easy parenting tips to show I love you will work as well for you as they do for us.
Parenting means showing my children I love you. Regardless, of what I say, my actions must mirror my words.
Although it sometimes feels like materialistic items might bring them happiness, what they need most is your love through your time and interests.
How do you show your children I love you? Comment below.
1. Listen Without Speaking to Show I love you
During episode 27, Getting To Know You (Meet My Children, Jackson and Mickey), I asked them both multiple questions about their interests, likes, and perceptions regarding my husband and me.
Clearly, I knew how they would answer the majority of questions but it absolutely opened my eyes to a few things I need to do better. The most important thing I need to do more is asking an open-end question and then listen. (I’m a talker so this is much harder than it seems!)
Sometimes when I ask the kids questions, I go a little overboard and turn it into an interrogation. By limiting to one good open-ended question and then remaining SILENT. my goal is to create an environment where they feel comfortable sharing.
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2. Do What They Enjoy Doing Even If You Don’t
Truth be told, I don’t always enjoy Legos or playing babies BUT that is exactly what my children love. When I spend time doing what they want, they love it. It shows that I support their interests and hopefully, that part of our relationship will carry on for years to come.
3. Let Them Learn What You Enjoy Doing
Absolutely, I like my mommy time. However, as much as we want to know our children, they want to know us as well.
Both kids were so excited when I asked them to be guests on Mom Treading Water. They love listening to their episode!
When I sew, I let them use the scrap fabric and run the fabric through the machine.
My children go to my 5k races and watch me run on the treadmill so they were thrilled to do our first family fun run. Plus, it is another way to teach healthy living!
They love when we cook and bake together. No one cracks an egg better than my daughter! My son is a master recipe creator! Bonus, cooking teaches math, science, and patience.
4. Make Their Favorite Meal To Show I Love You
Although it may seem minimal, small gestures go a long way. Simple acts, like making their favorite meal for no occasion, show you listen and know their likes. By providing comfort, you are addressing their needs physically and emotionally.
Food can be a wonderful way to say I love you.
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5. Create Impromptu 1 on 1 Fun
Remove the distractions and make your focus on each other. Since I know I very easily get distracted, we try to do something away from our home. It does not have to be all day or anything elaborate. The primary goal, have fun, have fun and then have more fun!
For example, we go to our local coffee shop for breakfast, snuggle and read a book, go hiking, or to the playground. We try to create quality time organically.
6. Help Your Children Feel Safe The Ultimate I Love You
There are times our children feel unsafe in safe situations. Although it may seem irrational to us, minimizing their fear as silly or unwarranted is unfair. We know there is not a monster under the bed or sitting on Santa’s lap can be fun, but their stage of rationality is not that of an adult.
There are 4 steps that have helped us work through our children’s fears:
- Acknowledging their fear
- Asking what was making them scared
- Working through solutions to reduce or eliminate their fears
- Creating reassurance they were safe
We showed I love you by helping them process their fears.
7. Show Love By Mutual Respect
Children learn by example, as noted by multiple moms in the episode, 37 What Is a Good Mom? and 25 Easy and Simple Ways to Be a Good Mom.
Show your children respect by:
- Allowing them to speak freely
- Listening without judgement
- Letting them be themselves
- Supporting their choices
As parents, we want to agree with all their choices but we know that is unfair. If they are living their life as good and honest people, there is not much more we can expect.
What new way are you going to show your children I love you? Comment below.
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