It’s almost February which means that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. I love that Valentine’s Day gives us an excuse to shower those around us with love. Obviously we shouldn’t need an excuse and we should be showing love to others everyday. But let’s be honest, sometimes we all need a little reminder and kick in the pants, right? Looking for ways to show your kids love every day? Look no further–I have 8 easy things to implement to help your children feel loved daily.

why can it be hard to show our kids love?

I joke around all the time that I love my kids, but I don’t always like them that much. That might sound really harsh but let me explain. Obviously I love my children. I gave birth to them, I’ve taught them gospel principles, I homeschooled for several years, I’ve kissed booboos and dried tears, and I’ve checked for monsters under the bed. Sometimes I feel like I love them so much my heart will burst with love and pride and happiness. BUT–parenthood is exhausting, am I right?

| Read my post on how to not feel busy here. |

As a stay-at-home mom (which I am so thankful to be able to be) I am constantly battling a tiny army that I’ve created myself. Why am I such a glutton for punishment?! My children are extremely strong willed. Which will some day serve them well but right now is just exhausting. And my two youngest ones are into everything. There are days I don’t have any adult interaction at all and by the time my husband comes home if I have to have one more conversation about Minecraft or who hit whom first I will lose my mind.

| Hear my thoughts on what to do when motherhood is hard. |

So sometimes, it feels like we’re just trying to get through the day–doesn’t it? Like we’re just counting down the minutes until bedtime when we can finally have a moment of peace and quiet. And I want you to know that it doesn’t make you a bad mother, or inadequate. We all fall short. But I still firmly believe that we are the parents our children are meant to have. So how can we be sure that in the crazy chaos of daily life our kids are feeling loved and secure? What are some simple ways to show your kids love?

| Check out my post on how to show your spouse love daily here. |

simple ways to show your kids love

As you go through this list think about your child and how they feel loved. This is why it would be good to know their love language. If you’re not sure what it is you can take an online quiz here. Also keep in mind your child’s comfort or anxiety level. If there’s something below that would make them uncomfortable then reconsider doing it! The main thing is to make sure your child knows they’re loved.

1. Do a chore for them. Mike and I are big believers in teaching our children the value of work. They have weekly chores and we often ask them to help out with other things on a daily basis. Pick something your child typically does every week but is maybe hard for them. Do they mow the lawn but it’s really cold right now and they hate it? Do they struggle with keeping their room clean and it’s a constant battle?
2. Plan a one on one date. If you have one child this might not be such a big deal. However, for my kids they love having time with just Mike or I. And it doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming. I have one child who just likes to stay up a little later and read together. Other kids love running errands with just Mike or I. Another simple idea would be an at-home spa night or learning a new skill together.
3. Read them a story. I must admit, with six kids there are certain things that slip through the cracks sometimes. And a lot of times that’s reading to my kiddos. It’s something I’ve been working on over the past year and I’m proud to say I’m getting better at it! Almost every time I sit down with one of my younger kids to read them a story the other ones will end up near us listening as well. I think there’s just something very comforting to them about reading together as a family.
4. Remember to ask them about their day. Don’t just say, “How was school?”, ask them, “What was your favorite thing you did today?” “Was there something new you learned?” And make sure you really listen! Our kids little ones are sensitive and can be pretty darn intuitive. If we act like we don’t really care what they have to tell us it won’t be long until they stop sharing with us. Read my post on questions to ask your kid after school here!
5. Leave them a surprise note. Pick a fun spot that will surprise them, like a dry erase marker on their bathroom mirror or chalk on the sidewalk on their way to school. If they can read, great! If they little pre-readers then just a heart or other cute drawing will certainly bring a smile to their face and make them feel special.
6. Sometimes you just have to say “yes”. We have a pretty strict “no, you can’t play with our phones” rule. But of course all they want to do with take pictures, or text a friend, or look something up. I’m always so quick to say “no” when they ask but when I say “yes” they get so excited! Sometimes it is so easy to fill their little cups of joy just by replying with an unexpected affirmative answer.
7. Surprise them with a treat. What kid doesn’t like surprises? This surprise could be anything that’s a treat for your child. Again, this is where knowing your child’s love language would come in handy. Maybe a treat for your child is stopping at the park after school. Or maybe it’s going through the drive through for an ice cream cone. You don’t want to surprise them so often that it’s no longer a surprise and it becomes expected! But once in awhile it’s nice to do. Of course, some children have anxiety or other issues that keep them from being able to enjoy surprises. You know your child best.
8. Tell them. Sounds simple and obvious, right? Of course we tell our kids we love them… don’t we? I feel like sometimes we get so caught up in our daily lives that maybe we do actually forget to say the words out loud. Last year we sat around as a family and each of us said something that we loved about each other. We had a rule that it had to be kind (so no back-handed compliments) and everyone had to say something different from others. As you can imagine, it took awhile, haha. But it was so nice to hear what our children said that they loved about their siblings! And of course it’s always nice to hear what other people like about us.

What are some simple ways to show your kids love that you implement at home?

Images in this post were taken by Britney of You Creative Counterpart as part of her #SmallBizProject.