10 simple ways to bless your children.

A couple years ago I started writing down ways to bless my kids. They were reminder to me to slow down and see them for all they do. Here are ten of the simple ideas that I have in my journal.

1. Listen to them when they speak. Really listen to them. Slow down your agenda enough so that you can look them in their eyes and tell them thank you and I love your story and tell me more and all of that. Learning to listen to them when they’re young sets a standard of importance and teaches them that what they have to say to you matters.

2. Make them a special breakfast. I know, such a simple thing, but one of those things that can bless those kids. Get up a bit earlier, pull out the eggs {if they like them – at my house we can go through dozens a week}, and make them something special for the day. At my home, when this is done, there is such joy and gratitude that it makes it worthwhile. It’s like way to tell them you matter and I wanted you to know it so I took time from my day to bless you with something good. Plus, grin, a good breakfast sets the tone for a great day.

3. Read the same book again. This works for those little ones, but for the oldest you could play the same game, or drive them where they need to go, or all of that. It’s about giving of self and not grumbling. I remember once asking a four year old of mine {I believe it was Grace way back when} why she wanted to read the same book over and over and over and she simply told me because I like that book, momma. Enough said. We read it again. And now? We play the same card game almost everyday. She matters to me. And now {again}, she plays cards with her brothers as well – it builds a cycle of caring for others.

4. Take them to get coffee. My teens love this. They know how much coffee costs, and they also love a good flavored cup of coffee, so the days matter to them when I tell them hop in the car and we pull through the drive-thru. I appreciate who they are and all that they do so sometimes it’s stepping out of the everyday routine and grabbing them a treat as well. And not complaining. It’s all too easy for me to see everything that isn’t done and forget all they do – this is my way of saying thank you and I appreciate you.

5. Tell them they did a great job. Simple words, really, but powerful words. They help you with the dishes, and instead of first seeing what they didn’t finish tell them great job, thanks for helping, and I can see that you worked hard. And if there is something that needs to be fixed – work together to fix it – don’t complain about what didn’t get done, but instead appreciate the work that did and then work together to finish what needs to get fixed. Remember it’s progress, not perfection.

6. Play outside with them. Yep, this. Remember that they’re only little for so long – so get out there – dig in the sand, push them in the swing, make an obstacle course at the park, take a walk, drive them to the park, go on that {gasp} free fall ride with your teen {it wasn’t that bad – just terrifying for a moment}. Get involved. They’ll love you for it.

7. Write them a note. Tuck notes in their bags, their books, on the bathroom mirror. Let them know how much you love them and value them and appreciate all they accomplish each day. Tell them you’re praying for them and that you’re proud of them and you’re blessed to be their mom. And then end it with a big smile.

8. Let them see you smile. A real I am so happy to see you this morning even though I am tired and the laundry is waiting and we have a zillion things to do but you are way more important smile. When I think of childhood I want them to have memories of me, as a mom, smiling. I don’t want it to be remembered that I was a great mom, but boy, she didn’t smile much. I want them to see me smile. So moms, stop what you’re doing, look at them and smile.

9. Let them see you laugh. For the same reasons as let them see you smile. Find your laugh – watch them, listen to what they say, enjoy them, and laugh.

10. Tell them you love them. Every single day. Make this part of your routine. My kids matter more and my love for them is not based on any stipulations – it is the unconditional love that I have for my children as their mother. They need to know that they are loved, valued, and important. So I tell them that I love you every single day. It takes 1.3 seconds. And it is so worth it.

Oh yes, and let them have a pajama day every once a while. Grin.

What are some of your simple ways that you bless your children?