4 Ways to Show Love to Your Kids This Month
4 WAYS TO SHOW LOVE TO YOUR KIDS THIS MONTH
February is traditionally the month of love (and overgrown chocolate hearts), the month we’re all supposed to do a little something extra to show the people in our lives we care about them. This might be hard for some of us even in a “normal” year. Considering the people in your life have likely been underfoot for the past 11months forever you might feel like giving everyone a good long break from each other would be the most loving thing you could do - and you’re not wrong. *wink*
If taking separate vacations or even 24 hour breaks from each other isn’t possible for your family we have 4 ideas to bring a little extra love into your life this February and help make the most of seeing more of each other.
Create an “I love you because” wall. Cut hearts from paper or purchase heart shaped sticky notes. Place these in a basket with colored pencils and encourage your family to write words or sentences about why they love each other then stick them to the wall. Add hearts all through the month and watch the love grow.
Bake some treats with your kids to take to a neighbor or friend. Deep breath mom and dad. I know it’s been a long haul and you’ve been doing dishes and laundry more than seems appropriate for a pandemic but stay with me here. Setting aside the time to have fun baking together (even boxed brownies) is a great way to build relationships with your kids. Taking these treats to a friend means you get the added benefit of doing something kind for someone else.
Learn your child's love language and speak it this month. This quick quiz will give you insight into how your child best receives love. Discover what works well for your child and let the realization guide you this month.
Let your child plan a date for you. As the parent your job is to pay and provide transportation, let your child choose the destination and activities then get out and date your kid.
Bonus Tip: Turn your screens off and do something interactive. Whether it’s reading, completing a puzzle, playing ball or doing an art project, finding ways to interact with your kids face-to-face can remind you both just how much you like each other.
When life is stressful, choosing the loving thing to do is often the last thing on my mind. If I slow down and make space to truly engage with my family I’m always reminded just how much I love them. Here’s to finding creative ways to fight past the stress and bring some love into our homes and neighborhoods this month.
– Andrea Mullens and the Vintage Kids Team