Sometimes we could all use a dash of encouragement, even little people like our kids! Here are thirteen ideas to help make their day just a little brighter.- Tuck a note into their lunchbox or book bag. Write a sweet thought or a short joke to make them smile.
- Give them a big hug for no particular reason at all.
- When you part in the morning, tell them that you will be praying for them today.
- Put a small treat on their bed for them to find when they get home in the afternoon
- Smile at them often.
- Make eye contact and truly listen when your child is telling you something.
- When they have completed a task well, praise them.
- While they are close by, relate to someone else something good that your child has done.
- If you see them struggling with a task, offer your help.
- Watch for an area in their character where you see growth and spend a few minutes communicating to them how proud you are of how they're maturing.
- Willingly do something they ask you to do - stop working and play a game, help them find a lost item, etc.
- Allow them to help you with a project you're working on that they're interested in - cooking, cleaning, scrapbooking, or other chores or hobbies.
- Every so often, allow them a special privilege, such as staying up late, having two helpings of dessert or taking a day off from chores.
I want to be mindful of encouraging my daughters on a daily basis. One day they will be of an age to be an encouragement to me as well!
This post is linked to Thursday-13.photo courtesy public domain pictures
Great list. I do many of these often. My kids love the surprise of a note (and sometimes a treat) in the lunchbox or backpack.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter recently asked to make my lunch for me to take to work. When I opened it I found a small Snickers and a post it note :)
Madison has grown to expect a "hug on demand" and a surprise waiting for her on her bed after her visit w/her dad :)
ReplyDeleteMy youngest is 37! And I still leave notes for all my kids...via emails!!! You never outgrow the 'mothering' part of life.
ReplyDeleteMy Thursday 13 is Halloween Themed jokes...come on over for some laughs. [You'll find it below my Thursday Thunks...scroll down a bit.]
Click HERE
Excellent list!
ReplyDeletehttp://iamharriet.blogspot.com/2009/10/if-mother-goose-and-father-time-had.html
I loved this list, since I have been thinking about more ways to encourage my children lately. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWonderful list--a lot of these are small things that are easy to forget, but when done, they make a big difference!! Happy TT!
ReplyDeletestudies show that lots of hugs make smarter kids sandy
ReplyDeleteGreat list! Don't forget, these things work on BIG kids too. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHappy T13!