Sometimes life gets so hectic we get out of the habit of doing the little things that show our families how much we love them. It is these little things that are so important. These are the things that make us feel good about our lives. Our family has been missing the little things lately, everyone is going through their routines well, but life is just busy. Overtime at work, sports practices, the business, Halloween... you get the picture. I noticed this last week when I was on the phone with Aaron while he was on a break at work. We were having an actual conversation about a recent news story and it hit me... I don't remember the last time we just sat down and had a recreational conversation and I miss you!! When we hung up I realized I needed to start making some time for some little things. I've made sure everyday to spend a little more quality time with the family and to show my love for them in simple ways and here are a list of 10 things that had a strong impact!
10 Simple Ways to Show Your Love
Embrace the good life, and share your love with your family.
1. Make your spouse a drink for their commute to work.
Coffee drinker? Have a fresh-brewed to go cup ready to hand them as they walk out the door. Aaron's been on a water kick lately so I make him an ice water with a straw. You most likely know what your spouse likes, make it for them.
2. A hug, kiss, and an I love you every time he leaves the house.
If you are home when your spouse leaves for work make sure you take a few minutes to give him a good hug, a kiss, and an I love you before he leaves every day!
3. Read to your kids!
It's bedtime, and if your like me it's your favorite time of the day. I'm tired at bedtime, my kids are starting to get cranky, Aaron's not usually home at this time and I'm ready to get through the bedtime routine. Bath, teeth brushing, jammies, and bam I'm done for the day. It's so easy to leave out that bedtime story, but it is so worth your time to crawl into that tiny twin bed with your little ones and read to them. It means the world to them, it settles them into a calm, sleepy mood, it's educational, there is no down side! If you don't already read at bedtime, do it tonight! It nurtures the bond between you and your children and lets you all settle down and enjoy that love.
4. Family Dinner
Every single chance you get eat dinner at the table together as a family. If someone isn't home for dinner that day just have a family dinner anyway. This is so important. This is when Henry tells us all about his day, Emily shows off her counting skills, Abbie confesses her current crushes, and we all laugh at Aaron's jokes. This is when we nourish our bodies and our souls all at once. Ask each member of your family what the best part of their day has been. Let the little ones tell stories, teach table manners, and leave you phones in the other room! When I was a kid my Dad always had us tell one thing we learned that day.
5. Get up and play
Kids love it when Mom or Dad are playing with them, so get down on the floor and race Hot Wheels cars or toss the football around in the backyard, whatever your little ones are into give them 30mins or so of uninterrupted play time.
6. Guide sibling play time
Are the kids cranky and fighting with each other while you are trying to cook dinner? Give them a game to play together. A favorite of my kids is when I pull out a balloon and blow it up. Then they have to work together to keep it off the floor while I go back to my work. You can also declare the floor hot lava and make them keep their feet off it. There are tons of easy games like this it will take you less then 5mins to set up or explain and then they will be entertained and bonding with each other while you finish cooking. Leave your suggestions for easy games in the comments section!
7. Tell your spouse you appreciate him
Do you ever feel like you do a lot of things for your family that go unnoticed and unappreciated? I bet your partner feels that same way. Instead of wallowing in disappointment that your efforts have gone unnoticed lead by example instead! Take a moment to thank your partner for the little things. Leave a post it note in his lunch, tell him in person, whatever just remember to thank him for his efforts!
8. Tell each child one thing they have done today to make you proud
This is very similar to number 7, but with those little ones! I like to do this at the dinner table or on the drive home from school. Make sure you let those little ones know that you see the areas in life where they are putting in extra effort and you are proud of them. I also like to do this after every sports practice and game. I like to make sure I say "I saw the block you did on that play and it was great! I am so proud of you, you are getting better every week". I think sometimes my son sees me chatting with the other Moms at practice and thinks I'm not watching. I like to remind him I am watching and I'm proud he's working hard.
9. Give your pet a little extra attention
A game of fetch or a jog do a dog a lot of good. Have a cat? Maybe just a 30min scratching and petting session. Our pets need love and affection too. This helps keep them calm, happy, and well-behaved.
10. Take 30mins for you
This is so important. It's a lot of work to raise a family and you are the easiest person to neglect. You deserve some time too! It will make you feel better and put you in a more pleasant mood. Either work out, take an extra long shower, catch up on your favorite TV show. Whatever it is just take a little time to refresh yourself. I am not a make up wearer. I love make up I just never make time for it, so this week I did make time for make up and it felt great. I felt more like myself after taking a little time to put my face on and I was more productive after so the time was not lost.
For us this helped a lot. It has been a very pleasant week. The kids have been feeling great and playing nicely with each other. The dog is calm and Mommy is wearing make up! In addition to all that I have noticed my family changing. I started the little ways of showing love but they jumped on board with out even realizing it. Aaron has been doing little things for me just to be nice. The kids are thankful when we do things for them and they are proud of themselves when they work hard.
Do you have little things that work great for your family? Leave them in the comments, we can never have to many ways to show our love!
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