Recently, my hubby and I were talking about value and the different times in our lives where we have felt valued or not so much ... growing up, at our jobs, through friendships and relationships. We began to talk about how we show our kids that they are valued, appreciated and that we are proud of them.
What exactly does value mean? Hmm, good question. There are different meanings to the word value. Value of money, Values as what people hold to be important, and according to Google, the first meaning of the word value is the regard that something is held to deserve, the importance, worth or usefulness of something.
Everyone wants to be valued, to be loved, to be cared for, to know that they're something of importance. As my hubby and I talked we were able to share different moments, times and stories of things that we have done as a family to show each other value.
Our hope is that when the world begins to press in and maybe not value our kids as we do, they will remember the times, the moments and the conversations that we have shown them value. Hopefully, that will be enough to carry them through knowing that my hubby and I created a home environment where our kids are loved, valued, and cherished.
Ways we show our kids value
Always remember to say I love you, I'm proud of you and I'm glad that you are mine
We often show our kids affection by giving them hugs and kisses. Actions are not always enough. One way we are making an effort to show value to our kids is by telling them .. there is power is the words I love you, I am proud of you, and I am so glad that you are mine. Hearing these words communicates to our kids that they are valued.
Show up
We make an effort to show up to the things that are our kids are involved in - whether it be in school,on a sports team,dance,gymnastics,or swimming - not only to be just a driver from place to place but to stay and be apart either as a volunteer or just to watch from the sidelines. When we get into the car to come home we have a conversation about the things they did well the things, things they may need to work on, and we let them know that we were watching them and that we care about what they are doing.
Snuggle time
The bedtime routine looks different at each stage of our kids growth, but the importance behind it never changes! It may be reading a book,singing a song, praying, talking, snuggling, tucking them into bed, or giving a kiss and a hug. Physically being in our kids bedroom when it is time for them to end their day, to have some one on one time with them shows them that we value them enough to take a minute to say more than "good night."
Turn a mundane errand into an adventure
Recently, my son(aka my sweet boy) and hubby went for a routine doctor's visit. My sweet boy came back with the biggest smile on his face and talking so excitedly. (No one comes back this happy from the Dr.) and then I saw it ... the Starbucks cup in his hand. Ahhhh, my hubby turned a boring trip to the doctor into an adventure because they made a stop at Starbucks afterwards to spend some time together.
Display their work
Our kids are always coming home with projects, test scores, writing papers etc., that they have worked hard on! We celebrate their accomplishments by taking the time to read it, let them present it to the family, and display it for all to see.
Do the unexpected
In the daily beat of life, it is sometimes hard to get to spend one on one time with your kids. But it is so important to get that time ... finding the time is the problem. My hubby and I began to look for it in the little places. There was one time last year where my sweet boy slept in and missed the school bus and on a whim, I took him for pancakes and let him sign in late. He still talks about that morning over a year later - it was worth the 90 minutes of missed school.
Editor's note: This article was originally published on Three Kids and a Fish. It has been republished here with permission.
