Something I’m sure you want to do as a parent is keep the light in your kids’ eyes. There’s something about seeing their eyes glow, isn’t there?
In my post Don’t Make The Light Go Out of Their Eyes, I focused on the negative things we sometimes do in our parenting; reactions that cause that smile and glow in their eyes to disappear. Today I want to share the positive side of it.
How to KEEP The Light in Your Kids’ Eyes
Actions:
- Spend time with them; let them know you want to be with them.
- Randomly bring them a little treat or surprise.
- Write them notes.
- Be excited about their ideas and listen intently. They should feel like you are their biggest fan!
- Be fun! Laugh when you are with them; let them know you enjoy them.
- Be fair.
- Treat them with honor and respect.
- Show affection; depending on their age, give tickles, hugs, pats, etc. Even your teens enjoy hugs!
- Put your cell phone away, or close your laptop when they are with you, and give them your undivided attention.
Words:
- Praise them.
- Brag on them to your spouse or Grandma/Grandpa when they can hear you.
- Tell them what you like about them. Affirm them with your words.
- Look for opportunities to encourage; focus more on the efforts and improvements, than the failures.
When was the last time you told your child something you liked about them? When was the last time you praised them for something they did, or how they did it?
All kids LONG for their parents’ approval, and when they feel that approval and acceptance on a regular basis, it will keep their eyes shining!
What have you done or said today to affirm your kids, and keep that light in their eyes?
6 Responses
Hey there, I think your site might be having
browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog site in Chrome, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some
overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads
up! Other then that, very good blog! adreamoftrains web hosting
services
Lau, it could be his age, and not having learned yet how to deal with his emotions. I would suggest taking time to teach him a better way to express when he is upset about something. It is hard work, and parenting does make you tired! 🙂 The hard work will pay off though, and if you are consistent, it will get easier.
I don’t want to say that I do everything right. But I am doing all that…but my older kid is so hard. He is 4 years old. I homeschool him, I take him out with me (without siblings), I praise him when he does good, I hug him and kiss him constantly. But he seems so mad. He yells. I don’t know what to do. I am tired.
Thanks Elizabeth, wish I could say that I ALWAYS did that like I should! This is something I need to remind myself of often.
Great tips! I was convicted by “put your cell phone or laptop away.” Such a bad habit to fall into . . . listening to my children while scrolling through facebook or working on a blog post or leaving a blog comment! 😉 Gotta close up shop here! 😉
Great post! Thanks for the reminder and great ideas! I needed that. Sharing with my husband. 🙂