Gifts Our Children Need From Us Most
To be noticed.
A smile.
Eye contact when I talk with them.
To listen.
Asking them about themselves.
Letting them tell me how they feel.
Telling them what I like about them.
Asking their opinions.
Seeking them out.
Giving them undivided attention.
A hug.
Another hug.
Fostering their self-esteem,
Their self-confidence,
And their self-trust.
Noticing when they are acting differently.
Tolerating interruptions.
Telling them how much I like being with them.
Making myself available.
Being nice.
Being honest.
Keeping promises I make.
Telling them what I expect.
Sharing my values and beliefs with them.
Respect.
Believing in them.
Making time to be with them.
Being excited when I see them.
Noticing when they grow.
Remembering birthdays.
Introducing them to my friends.
Including them in conversations.
Doing what they like to do.
Listening to their music with them.
Reading aloud.
Going places together.
Building something together.
Making decisions together.
Giving them the opportunity
to make their own decisions.
Letting them lead.
Helping them learn something new.
Asking them to help me with something.
Encouraging them to help others.
Admitting to them when I make a mistake.
Letting them make mistakes.
Helping them learn from those mistakes.
Telling them how proud I am of them.
Accepting them as they are.
Today.
This minute.
Right now.
Encouraging them to think BIG and dream.
Showing them they are loved.
Telling my child(ren), "I Love You."
Concept for article taken from "150 ways to Show Kids You Care" by Jolene L.Roehlkpartain, ©1996 by Search Institute.
