Expressions of Love for Your Kids!
29 Practical Ways to Show It

We love our kids more than life itself, and we would do anything for them.

I hope you find some practical expressions of love for your kids in this page :)

Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking.
It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.

WOW! What an incredible formula for loving others and our children. That passage is from First Corinthians 13 in the Bible.

Love is patient, kind, not self-seeking or easily angered -- Yikes, I fall short!
Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres!
Love never fails. WORD!

Your children want a safe place to grow and be nurtured. The home provides the perfect setting to encourage and love, so kids can develop and mature under the guidance of parents who truly love them. To share everyday life with parents and siblings who know their imperfections and love them anyway is a powerful place to grow :)

Unfortunately, our families can tend to get what's left of us -- or the worst of us -- because we become so comfortable with one another.
Our expressions of love take a hiatus and we can take advantage of the fact they will be there tomorrow and we can "make it right" another day.
Yet, our tomorrows are uncertain.
So, make each day count and show expressions of love for your kids everyday! :)

Sidebar:
If your parents were remiss in showing their love to you growing up; I'm truly sorry for your experience.
Forgive them, so you can move on and create a healthy home for your children.
If you are having a hard time with your past, it may serve you well to talk with your pastor or a professional.
You can learn how to show love to your kids, and redeem the wrong done.
By doing that, you will set a generation on the right course. I commend you for your courage!

A FEW PRINCIPLES TO SHOW EXPRESSIONS OF LOVE:

Give your kids positive feedback:
Recognize when your kids do things well or right, and tell them.
Be specific:
"I loved how you were nice to your sister."
"Thank you for coming when I called you -- I appreciate that."
"Thank you for understanding why I was late."

Try to concentrate on the good they do, and not only the things which require correction. Listen to yourself to evaluate if you give more positive feedback or negative feedback, and make an intentional choice to have it be more positive expressions of love.

This is not to say you will never correct your kids.
You will have to; it's inevitable!

Correction is an expression of love for your kids! :) But it can be done in love and with grace, and that's what we're aiming for.

When correcting your kids; show patience and understanding, speak to them like you love them. Acknowledge their wrong choice, and guide them to the right choice for next time.

Deliver any consequence that's necessary and appropriate.

Set boundaries:
Children want to know the boundaries.
They want limits to help them navigate the world which can be very confusing.
Setting boundaries and limits does not equate to punishment.

You are guiding and teaching your children how to act in the world and with others and this helps them gain confidence, and to be capable and caring individuals.

1. Establish a special time with each child and with all your children together-- maybe it's a Saturday breakfast, Friday night movie, a run to Dairy Queen on a summer night, playing catch or a table game, even watching a movie at home.

You get the idea: It can be anything, as long as you are together.

Take this time to talk with your child(ren) about what's happening in their life, school, friendships, etc. Ask engaging questions.

With five kids, I often had to find the time without going out -- maybe we sat longer at the kitchen table after dinner, or I found them in their room and we talked for a while. Do what works for you and within your budget.

We also created time with all the kids to just relax together -- watch a movie or favorite show, go to Dairy Queen together, play catch or basketball in the driveway with the whole family, or go bowling.

Our Friday night routine for years was to get Papa Murphy's pizza and rent a movie for the family. It was great and we all looked forward to it!

The point is to establish having fun together and carrying on casual conversation, which will lead to more serious conversations :)

With us, it was always family first; then friends.
We didn't have to shove this down our kids' throat; we just practiced it all the time and they didn't know anything different. Our expression of love was to create value within our family, so they wanted to be together.
Being with family will always be good for your kids :)

I found my kids liked to re-hash the day right before bed. They reflected and asked questions. I loved that because it helped me see what "stuck" in the day, and what caused them to reflect and think. They would often bring up concerns they seemed to want to have peace about before sleeping.

My third daughter went through a phase where she felt she needed to confess any bad thoughts or feelings she had in the day about me.

She might say, "Mommy, I was mad at you today, and I didn't like you -- I'm sorry."
It was so incredibly sweet, and she has such a sensitive spirit that it was hard for me not to smile when she said it.
We would talk about it -- that we don't always feel good about people all the time and that was normal.
I'd accept her apology and love her up good and she could rest peacefully :)

Even when my kids spend the night somewhere, we always touch base before the night ends. During my oldest's freshman year in college, we talked every night when she was in her room "safe and sound" for the night.

Saying "good-night" is a comforting practice even when they are older and a deep expression of love for your kids :)

My college-aged kids still do this with each other daily -- they check in with each other when they are home for the night.

3. Pray with your kids about their concerns.

Don't stop reading if we don't agree on this point -- prayer can make a difference in the lives of your kids; possibly your greatest expression of love :)

When your child comes to you with a problem or you have observed something; bring it to the Lord.
After you've had a chance to hear your child's concerns; pray with them right then and there.
This teaches them to turn to God themselves, it models your trust in God and shows your care for them -- it shows your genuine interest in their concerns.

4. Make a day off of school special.
If it's a national holiday, or a snow day; do something which makes the day special.
Snuggle up and watch great movies all day together.
Go out for breakfast.
Get a manicure and a pedicure.
See a movie.
Have a picnic. Start or continue working on a community project or project at the house.
Look at old pictures.
Play cards or games.
Read aloud.
Anything your family and kids enjoy doing.
I promise you will truly love this expression of love.

The point is to make an effort to be together, and not scatter the family in multiple directions.

5. Kids love to see pictures of themselves -- young and old.
Scrapbooking is fun, but it can be difficult to keep up.
Take pictures and store them very simply -- a shoebox is sufficient -- and have them accessible for the kids and family to view often.
Or put a simple photo album together and set it out as a coffee table book. Your kids will love to see their baby pictures and your wedding pictures too.

6. Correct your children in private.
Refrain from correcting your kids in front of others. It can be embarrassing for your child. If possible, pull him or her to the side or in another room and deal with the problem.

7. Accept your kids -- warts and all.
Your kids need to know you are their biggest fan. Accepting your kids encourages them to come to you with their problems; they know you will respond with grace and love.

8. Hug your kids; hold hands; put your arm around them.
It really is simple, and does your child a world of good -- you too! :)

9. Eat meals together and pay attention.
Try to place importance on at least one meal a day together; engage in conversation.
Try to block out all else, but listening and connecting with your beloved family :)
That means TV is off; I-pods off; and any other electronic devices that can be a distraction.

If this is not a part of your family right now, it's never too late to make the right decision. Get started eating one meal together, or as many as can gather together at the same time.

10. Invite their friends over.
Make your house the "go to" house, because everyone can feel comfortable there.
Have treats available -- if it's within your budget. You can make cookies or bars from scratch and save money.
Talk with your kids friends; get to know them -- this will serve you well in knowing who your kids hang out with and seeing what kind of influence they may have on your child.
If you have concerns, talk with your child about it and place limits if necessary.

11. Make their birthday special.
We had bigger birthday parties on significant years: 5, 10, 13, 16, and 18. This cut down on the expense with 5 kids, but every birthday involved their choice of dinner, and a friend could sleep over if they wanted.
Create a party based on what they like to do and within your budget:
Paintball, princess theme, inflatable jump house, bowling, jewelry making, pirate theme with a treasure hunt :) It all sounds fun to me!

12. Laugh with your children.
Let them be silly and allow their humor to be unleashed. Laugh with them, and enjoy their personality. Be carefree with them and express your love through enjoying their personality :) Let them see your sense of humor too.

13. Help them with their homework and projects.
Check daily, especially when they are young, if they need any help with their homework.
Talk about projects ahead of time, get supplies and brainstorm with them about ideas and set a course of action to finish the project.
Put it on your kitchen calendar.

Be sure you're receiving your child's class newsletter when they are in the younger grades to stay on top of assignments and projects.
Develop a positive relationship with their teacher.
When kids are in high school, there is usually an online system to check your child's progress and school news.

14. Know your child and what makes them tick, and respond in kind.
You probably have a good idea what your child enjoys -- if you don't; find out by talking with them and observing.
Make an effort to give them a gift in that area.

For instance, art supplies if they enjoy drawing or painting.
A new basketball when you see it's needed and they haven't asked for one yet.
Maybe your child loves to garage sale; give them the gift of a Saturday garage sale bonanza with you, topped off by a lunch or dinner out.

Have fun with them within their interests.

15. Tell your kids you are proud of them.
This will build your child's self-esteem greatly.

16. Keep your promises.
As best you can, be sure your children know they can trust your word. If something has to change, which can be inevitable at times, explain the change to them and help them understand.

17. Be involved with their school activities.
Go to their games, conferences, and concerts, whatever it is; support your children in their activities. All valuable expressions of love.

18. Reach out to your kids.

If your kids have started to close off -- reach out and get them back!
Draw them back to the family right away.

Use your observation skills and what you know about your child to detect any unusual behavior; deal with it right away.
Sometimes our kids are just quiet; respect their need for quiet, but observe and see if it becomes a trend.
Try to draw them out by asking engaging questions.

You may want to read Conversation Starters: How to start conversations with your kids :)

19. Work on a project together.
Maybe it's scrapbooking, planting a garden, teaching your child to sew, needlepoint, knitting or quilting, making pies or jelly, canning, baking, painting, photography, card-making, stamping, crossword puzzles, gaming, or set a table out with a puzzle on it for everyone to work on anytime.

Again the magic words -- Anything your child has an interest in.

20. Put a note in their lunch box.
You've probably heard this one before, but it's a good one. It's a simple way to express your love and to let your kids know you are thinking of them.

21. Plan a surprise party.
This could be for a birthday, but it doesn't have to be.
It could be for a great report card, making a team or getting a part in the play.
Or, for no reason other than you love your child and want to show it and celebrate with their friends.
For your child to know you planned a party in their honor will be a huge boost to their self-worth.

22. Let your kids plan dinner.
Have them plan dinner, shop for groceries, and prepare the meal. Give them whatever guidance is necessary. Have them follow through with the clean-up too. Talk about the experience.

23. Late night surprise!
When it's nearly bedtime, surprise your kids with a trip to Dairy Queen or McDonalds.
Or, order a pizza and watch a movie or play a game. Lay outside on the yard and look at the stars.
They will love it and so will you!

24. Tell stories about their childhood or the day they were born.
Kids absolutely love hearing stories about when they were younger and especially, the day they were born.
Try to remember as many details as possible :) That can be the tricky part!

25. Go on family vacations.
Consider your budget and what your family likes to do; plan a vacation with those factors in mind.
Get the kids involved with the planning, packing, etc. Try to include some fun activities that each person considers special. Avoid vacations which don't include the whole family.

26. Talk about your kid's dreams for the future.
Encourage your kids to dream about their future, and talk about possibilities based on their gifts and desires.
This is a great window into their soul, and gives them hope for the future.

27. Listen to their point of view.
When a conflict occurs, listen to their point of view and consider it -- respect their need to be heard.
Make your decision based on what you feel is best for them, and explain your reasoning.
Kids tend to respect this approach. It may not be appropriate for real young children, but you will be the judge of that.

There are some rules, like safety rules, that can not be negotiated and must be obeyed without question.

28. Recognize each child's gifts and try not to compare them to their siblings or other kids.
Relish in your child's unique qualities and encourage them to develop their talents.
Express your love by accepting them.
As each child develops within his or her own timetable; extend grace and allow for the one who may take a little longer without comparing.

29. Include kids in family decisions when possible.
This can't be done all the time, but when appropriate, include the kids in family decisions.

"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent and praiseworthy -- think about these things." Philippians 4:8 -- The Bible.

May you & your children be blessed.

To showing expressions of love for your kids,
Julie :)