Traci Michele Photography

You’ve been there. Long, loooooooooong day. Bedtime arrives and kids just aren’t falling asleep. One night I was less than patience as my patience quota had been met for the day. As I was closing my daughter’s door, ready to make my get away, my daughter said these words to me…

Mommy, do you like being a Mommy?

I told her of course I did, but it was bedtime and to just go to sleep. But it certainly got me thinking. I tell my kids I love them all the time, but do I act like I like them? Here are some simple ways to say yes to you kids (YES, I not only LOVE you but I LIKE spending time with you):

1. Laugh with them often.

2. Don’t wish your day away.

3. Don’t wish they were older/younger.

4. Tell them you love them all the time. Show them even more.

5. Listen to them; really listen to them.

6. Look them in the eye when they talk to you.

7. Don’t compare them to other children.

8. Love them where they are at.

9. Give them lots of hugs and kisses.

10. Don’t be their best friend, be their parent.

11. Stick to your rules, be consistent.

12. Show them love by your careful discipline.

13. Speak kind words, don’t yell.

14. Read to them/let them read to you.

15. Smile at them.

16. Pray for them specifically, daily!

17. Play with them.

18. Don’t give them everything they want.

19. Sit together in church as a family.

20. Worship and serve together.

21. Create a Mama & Me Journal. This is a great way to bond with each, individual child. Instructions on how to make one is in the link above. Oh, and you will be blessed as the Mommy! Here’s my six year old daughter’s most recent letter to me:

22. Date Your Kids! My husband and I just started this. Twice a month we take turns taking our daughter or son out on some errands and doing something fun. If it is my son and I, we call it a date. If it is my daughter and I, we call it a fun day. Same idea with my husband. Take time out of your busy schedules to give your undivided attention to each child individually is so important!

23. Make Time To Read To Them. My wonderful hubby puts the two older kids to bed each night. He’s been reading to them out of the 100 Read And Sing Devotions book.

24. Love Your Children Where They Are At. If you find yourself wishing your children were older, or dreaming of the days you could hold their sweet scented body in your arms, stop yourself. It’s okay to reminisce, but sometimes we can forget to love our children right where they are at. Each stage has its joys and challenges, but take time to show them that you love them, even on the ugly days. They need your love the most during these challenging moments!

25. Create A Special Love Sign For Each Child. I haven’t done this, but I want to try it. Whether it’s simply signing the words I love you, or having a certain signal word, create a fun and different way to say I love you to each child.