We’re continuing our Women Living Well series this week with the topic of finding joy in your kids.
Summer is such a beautiful, wonderful season. Soaking up each minute and enjoying it to the fullest is one of my family goals. For my family, summers can seem to be rushed when events are scheduled back to back and we have to go with the flow since timing can’t always be in our control. For me, it’s easy to get caught up in all the logistics of who hasn’t brushed their teeth yet, which ones need an extra set of clothes “just in case”, and did I think far enough ahead on the gift or cash for parking or the passes?!
Whatever the details, many times I need to slow down and love on my children. There are moments in life where rushing and moving and going is necessary, but during those busy seasons, using this mental list of simple ways to add a little love to your child’s day can make all the difference in the memories of the day.
1. Remember to smile!
Sometimes I get so focused on the details that I forget to enjoy them. Maybe you too?
2. Give out lots of hugs.
Nothing tops getting off the roller coaster and getting a hug from Mom.
3. Be sure to hug and kiss goodbye.
My husband is such a great example for our children in this area. He is very purposeful about saying goodbye, even if it’s just for an hour to run to the store.
4. Surprise your child with a kiss on the cheek for no reason at all.
I like to do this just whenever it comes across my mind. Of course, this may be less appreciated by adolescents in public settings, but the idea is to be appropriate and yet show them how much you think of them, even in random moments. Often when the kids know I’m working on a deadline and they pass by the dining room table where I’m working, I’ll just grab them as they walk by and give them a kiss on the cheek. They typically smile and move on their way.
5. Make a favorite meal.
Nothing brings a little love to the day like make-your-own pizza dinner. For a quick crust, we will use bagels, refrigerated biscuits, or English muffins. Each child gets to choose and top with their own ingredients. We love making our own crust, but when time is a factor, we will often shortcut and this can bring a little joy to the day.
6. Carry a small game in your purse or bag as a surprise.
Times of waiting can be quickly challenging for children, whether it is in line at a game, or for food at a restaurant, or in traffic. I like to carry little treats or a game in my purse for those times when I anticipate a wait. We use the “I Spy” game quite frequently also when we are waiting.
7. Use positive words.
With 7 kiddos and often extras, I find myself barking out orders. It’s good to give commands and expect obedience, but our Heavenly Father always provides direction and rebukes us in love and grace. Check out this free Printable for 20 things to say to encourage your children! Post it on the fridge as a reminder of intentional parenting. Intentional words yield positive results.
Finding joy in my children often means being purposeful about my parenting. There are many ways to find joy in your children, but my prayer is that this short list of ways to add a little love to your child’s day provides inspiration to find joy in responding to your family, no matter the season. I love what Courtney said in her book regarding Finding Joy in your Children:
This section inspired me to be more intentional in appreciating my opportunity to parent in love. I’d love to know how this section of the book inspired you!
Which of the above-mentioned ways reminds you that finding joy in your children begins with your decision to do so?
Rachel Wojnarowski is a sought-after blogger, writer and speaker. She teaches Bible studies in central Ohio and she and her husband, Matt, enjoy caring for their busy family of 7 children. In her “free time” she crochets, knits, and sews handmade clothing. Ok, not really. She enjoys running and she’s a tech geek at heart. Rachel teaches social media and blogging classes in her local community and also speaks at Christian women conferences. Wife, mom, reader, writer, speaker and dreamer, you can find Rachel on Twitter , Facebook, and . Pinterest., as well as RachelWojo.com.
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Oh thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I so needed this today! My poor little kiddos have not had the greatest summer. My dad had heart surgery at the end of June and his recovery has been difficult, so I have needed to spend a lot of time caring for him. My husband and I also started a remodel project on our home, so our entire downstairs is torn up and we have been existing out of garage. This has been very unsettling for the boys and their normal routines. Now next week, we will have a whole new component added. My husband will be having spinal fusion surgery. This means my kiddos will have to be cared for by friends and family members for a few days, while I travel to and from the hospital. I feel so guilty for the boys not having a fun summer and my stress level has been through the roof, so i am edgy and have been snippy. This post was exactly what I needed today! Thank you!
Praying for you, Kim. Keep looking to Jesus. God is our “ever-present help” , He’s helping your boys too!
This is a great reminder for me as a wife, mom, grandma, friend and co-leader with my husband of a 20something small group…my encouraging actions are always being observed and what a testimony to my love for God that flows through my marriage, children(even adult!), grands, and those God brings to our sphere of influence!
This message is so timely as I and my teens have been teaching at our community VBS this week. It has been a very busy week with rushed, sometimes stressful mornings. One morning was particularly rough. I took the time to stop and love on my kids. I gave them kisses, hugs, and verbal appreciation for who they are and how they are serving our community. This applies to littles, teens, and even adults. Thanks for the great reminder that sometimes we just need to slow down and show love.
This article came (through Kirk Cameron) like an answer to my needs. I have been feeling so much guilt for snapping at my children and my own inadequacy as a stay-at-home parent to our three young children. I feel like with their father not having a job I should be out there working. He on the other hand is patient and the children recognise the stark difference. I hope to find peace and be more in the moment so I don’t dismiss them too quickly. Thank you.
Thank you for writing and posting this. All moms could use this reminder once in a while. I shared it last year and I’m gonna share it again…it is beautifully written and so true. I love it!