As mothers we are often stretched in so many directions we tend to lose focus on the most important things in life. Don’t get me wrong we provide, we teach, we are there when we are needed but sometimes we forget about the fun and the connecting with our children. Here are some of the things I do to put a smile on the faces of my children and how I try to stay connected with them.
1. With my father’s passing and my mother in laws move to Florida the children rarely receive mail. So once in a while I will write each of them a letter, and mail it from work.
2. I love to put together treasure hunts for the children when I may have a special gift to give them. They love it so much they have put together their own treasure hunts for my husband and I.
3. Sometimes just to mix it up we will spread a picnic blanket in the middle of the living room floor and have an indoor picnic while we watch a movie.
4. Of course there is always game night. I am always browsing the ads and game shelves at the story to look for a new and fun game that all of us can participate in.
5. I ALWAYS ask my children how there day was. In fact one day when I didn’t pick up my son from school because he walked instead and I got busy he came to me and reminded me that I had not asked him how his day was.
6. I try to rent movies that I know my boys would enjoy and we watch them together as a family.
7. The most important thing I do with my children is tell them several times a day that “I Love Them” because of this my children have to be one of the most loving children on this earth. All of my children return the sentiment by telling both my husband and I on a daily basis that they love us.
I figure I must be doing something right!
Queenie@The Planet Pink says
Great advice! I agree that too often we get sucked into the “unfun” aspects of parenting, because they consume so much time and are very important – but then we neglect to tend to the “fun” side of parenting, which in my opinion, is equally important. Great post!
Christy says
It is easy to get caught up in all the things you have to do to keep life moving forward and keeping the kids taken care of that moments can quickly slip by and add up. THis is a great list of ways to connect!
Hanan says
I totaly agree! Those are great ideas though, thanks for sharing them with us =)
Meghan says
I love these ideas! I tried the picnic idea…fail! My kids just looked at me like I had 3 heads. LOL
Ashley says
GREAT post Colleen! I was just saying to my husband tonight that I already feel disconnected from my son (he’s not quite 4) and love these tips. xo
Connie says
They also tell their Grandma they love her several times when we are together, a quick hug and I love you out of the blue it is very special and wonderful. Sometimes I feel like I should be the one doing it to them because I am the adult but each time they surprise me and beat me to it. I love it. Plus when we talk on the phone each of them say I love you before they hang up before I say it to them, they are very loving children. Good job Colleen.
Little BGCG says
I love the idea of sending them mail I always used to love getting mail when I was a little kid. Heck I still love getting mail as long as it’s not bills!
Colleen Shibley says
Me too I knew a girl that checked her mail once a week and I was like WHAT? I LOVE checking the mail LOL
Miranda M says
These are wonderful suggestions that show your children just how much you love and cherish them; thanks for the lovely ideas on little ways to show others that you care!