31 Everyday Ways to Connect with Your Child, Day 5: Smiling
I think it every day…..”This one is my favorite.” I guess each of these ideas is so special to me because finding little ways to show my kids I love them brings me such a deep joy. It’s not about gifts, or false praise, or big gestures…..it’s just simple, sweet love.
Today I want to share about smiling. I noticed a few years ago that I tend to correct the kids when they walk into the room, “Your shirt is too small,” and, “Did you clean your room yet?” I corrected them immediately and I didn’t smile. I wasn’t letting them know how glad I was that they were around.
I decided that I wanted them to make sure they knew I was really glad to see them, not just constantly thinking of ways they needed to change. So I began to look for gestures to show them how glad I was that they are here. I never (OK, maybe not never but I sure try!) say anything correcting when they first walk into the room. Before I mention their hair looking messy I give a BIG OL’ SMILE and say hello!
When I see them I smile and in a cheerful voice I say something like, “Hey baby doll!,” “Hey my love, whatcha doin’?,” or, “Hola mi amiga, como etsas?” Then I ask them what’s up and how can I help. I smile and make an extra effort to show that I am so glad they are with me.
It’s that simple.
Just SMILE.
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Don’t forget to register for the free webinar based on this series on October 16 at 7:PM central time over at Smoothing the Way!
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LOVE this reminder. It’s so easy to forget to smile at our kids (and our husbands too). Thanks so much for this series – really enjoying it!
Thanks Randa! I appreciate the kind words. 🙂 Lisa~
Lisa !!! I so hope you are going to put all these days into one e-book at the end of the 31 days. How many busy, frazzled, mumma’s do we all know that these thoughts and ideas would be a true God-send to. Where were you when I needed this 30 years ago? Oh …. that’s right …. you were in kindergarten !!! So simple – SO powerful !!!. Bravo !!!!
Felicity, thank you SO much for the kind words of encouragement. I am thinking about making this into an ebook. But I really HAD to laugh at your last comment. I’m not quite as young as you think. 30 years ago I was about to turn 20. LOL! Lisa~
great observations and so helpful
Thanks! I think you’ll love the rest of the series! Lisa~
This is so true, and such a great reminder. Children, even at the youngest of ages, truly feed off of the positivity around them. Your smile is so beautiful!
Amy, thanks so much for the nice compliment. It’s such a treat for me to have you stop by for a visit. Tomorrow I’ve got a really fun tip for connecting with the kids. 🙂 Lisa~
Okay, so 1.) I saw something on Oprah years ago that I still remember to this day. It was this lady talking about how when kids walk into a room they want to see your eyes light up. I still think about that….because I find myself doing the same thing. You aren’t dressed yet? etc. Got to work on this! 2.) I have been thinking I need to put up some inspiration around my house. Like framed Bible verses, inspirational quotes, etc. I could put each one of these that I’ve read so far up. They are great reminders of putting everything else aside and just showing the love. Thanks!