Some gestures might seem trivial to you as an adult, but to your little one, it goes a long way to make them smile. Yeah, those little moments can actually take the most room in your child’s heart, hence, so don’t take them for granted. Read on to learn some little things that mean so much to kids. They can help create meaning in your family life and create memories that will stick with your child.
1. Listen and notice
Sometimes, kids may want to share a story they heard with you or maybe a particular incidence that happened in their classroom.
Give them your attention; instead of being taken over by the conversation with another parent, by the rush to get to the next place, your phone, or whatever distractions there maybe, and give them ALL your attention, be 100% present with them. Listen and take note of every part of their story and let them know that they matter. A great tip is to ask “Tell me about that?” when they show you something or share something with you.
2.Write a lovely note
You can hide a small note in your child’s lunch box telling them how much they matter to you. However, ensure you keep it simple for them to read and understand. It makes them happy and the memory lingers.
3. Put your phone down
Many parents make the mistake of mindless scrolling, especially when their kids are talking to them. Let them know they are a priority for you.
4. Watch movies and listen to music together
You can introduce your favorite songs to your child from any tender age, even in utero. You can tell them what you love about the songs or movies. Research has shown that children able to answer questions like what is your parent’s favorite movie, where did they meet, what school did they go to, where did their grandparents grow up and the like are more resilient. Children that know their parent’s story and their family history are more resilient individuals.
5. Read with them
Most kids love to read with someone else, especially their loved ones. Maybe you haven’t read to your child in a while due to some distractions.
But if you’re looking for happy kids, choose a book to read with them. It’s so much fun for kids.
6. Look through photos
You probably have hundreds of pictures in your photo album, but when was the last time you sat down with your child to look through them? This is one of those little things that mean so much to kids. You can talk with them about the memories surrounding each picture. As previously discussed children that know their family history and the stories of their parent’s lives are more resilient.
7. Keep your promises
Failing to keep the promises you make to your child, even small things, culminate in undermining your word and have your child losing trust in your words.
So if you tell them you’ll take them to the park after school or attend their school party, ensure you follow through and keep your word. It makes them feel secure and the small stuff builds so they’ll trust you with the big stuff.
8. Teach them something
You can teach your kid how to sew, play piano, cook, garden, put up shelves, or do whatever skill you are good at. This helps them feel connected and they will be proud to know you do other things aside from being a parent.
Apart from cooking and providing for your kids, there are lots of things that stick in their minds even as they grow older. Time together strengthens the bond they have with you. You can try the little things that mean so much to kids, which are highlighted above, and you’ll notice how happy and excited your child would be around you.
