Take a special trip with each child.
(Drew took our son, Jonas, on an overnight camping trip to the mountains. He still talks about this trip 2 years later. Our daughter is looking forward to her turn when she gets a little older.)
Why not do something like this over the upcoming holidays? Even if you can't go on an overnight trip, take a morning or an afternoon to do something just with each child.
This will be our last entry for the year. Have a great Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Feel free to visit us at Hope Church on Christmas day for a fun-filled one hour family service. www.hopechurch.co.za
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Time With No Agenda
Make special times to just be with your children without an agenda.
We’ve mentioned this before, but one idea is to book in a night each month for a family night. Have times that are dedicated to just being together and having fun (Games, video, slumber party in mom and dad's room).
Also, date times with your kids are great for mom and for dad to do. They communicate to the kids that they are valued and they help deepen your relationship with them.
We’ve mentioned this before, but one idea is to book in a night each month for a family night. Have times that are dedicated to just being together and having fun (Games, video, slumber party in mom and dad's room).
Also, date times with your kids are great for mom and for dad to do. They communicate to the kids that they are valued and they help deepen your relationship with them.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Spend Quality Time With Your Children
Someone once said, “Kids spell love T-I-M-E.”
As parents it can sometimes be difficult to spend time with our kids if we don’t feel like we’re accomplishing anything. We’re often happy to be with them if that involves doing something else as well. (Taking them to their many activities, going to soccer games, buying school supplies, working on homework, or having them close by while we do our work…the list goes on and on.)
But sometimes in the midst of all this good activity with our children we end up missing them.
As parents it can sometimes be difficult to spend time with our kids if we don’t feel like we’re accomplishing anything. We’re often happy to be with them if that involves doing something else as well. (Taking them to their many activities, going to soccer games, buying school supplies, working on homework, or having them close by while we do our work…the list goes on and on.)
But sometimes in the midst of all this good activity with our children we end up missing them.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Be Affectionate With Your Hands
If you have girls, dance with them. If you have boys, walk with your arms around their shoulders.
Wrestle and play with them. (We have tickle-wrestle time at least once a week. All the kids participate, even the little ones. Anya, our 3-year-old, jumps right in the middle of the pile. What a joy it is to be openly affectionate with my children.)
Wrestle and play with them. (We have tickle-wrestle time at least once a week. All the kids participate, even the little ones. Anya, our 3-year-old, jumps right in the middle of the pile. What a joy it is to be openly affectionate with my children.)
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Hug And Kiss Your Children
Hug and kiss your children regularly and daily.
A mother’s and father’s touch is crucial in the development of a child’s internal security, emotional development and physical development.
Hug and kiss your children even when they get older. Don’t stop just because they are older. Nothing has changed. They are still your children and they need to know that your relationship hasn’t changed just because their bodies have.
In the past, fathers have been notorious for not being able to show affection, particularly physical affection, to their children. Dad’s might need to work on this a bit more, but both moms and dads should give regular physical affection.
Doesn't a hug from your little one sound good right now? Stop what you're doing and go give them a big hug and kiss.
A mother’s and father’s touch is crucial in the development of a child’s internal security, emotional development and physical development.
Hug and kiss your children even when they get older. Don’t stop just because they are older. Nothing has changed. They are still your children and they need to know that your relationship hasn’t changed just because their bodies have.
In the past, fathers have been notorious for not being able to show affection, particularly physical affection, to their children. Dad’s might need to work on this a bit more, but both moms and dads should give regular physical affection.
Doesn't a hug from your little one sound good right now? Stop what you're doing and go give them a big hug and kiss.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Write Your Child Notes
Write notes for your children and slip them under their door or put them in their lunch box.
I try and think of ways I can be encouraging them throughout the week.
Drew recently wrote a not for each of the kids and slipped it under their door for them to find in the morning. They ran into our room the next day exclaiming, “Dad, I got your note!” They were so excited.
They don’t easily forget those things.
Kids don’t usually question their mother’s love, but sometimes they do wonder if Dad loves them. So Dads, this is something to think about for you to do. Notes communicate our love in a lasting way.
I try and think of ways I can be encouraging them throughout the week.
Drew recently wrote a not for each of the kids and slipped it under their door for them to find in the morning. They ran into our room the next day exclaiming, “Dad, I got your note!” They were so excited.
They don’t easily forget those things.
Kids don’t usually question their mother’s love, but sometimes they do wonder if Dad loves them. So Dads, this is something to think about for you to do. Notes communicate our love in a lasting way.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Take Your Children On Dates
Take your children on “dates”.
I, Megan, get to spend more time with the kids so Drew often does “dates with dad.” He takes turns taking each of our kids out for some special time with just him. They love it! They look forward to it.
To this day, Drew talks about the one date his dad had with him when he was eight. He can tell you details of that experience. Dates with your children will live with them for the rest of their lives. They'll remember and they'll feel special.
Go on a date with your child.
I, Megan, get to spend more time with the kids so Drew often does “dates with dad.” He takes turns taking each of our kids out for some special time with just him. They love it! They look forward to it.
To this day, Drew talks about the one date his dad had with him when he was eight. He can tell you details of that experience. Dates with your children will live with them for the rest of their lives. They'll remember and they'll feel special.
Go on a date with your child.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
