12 Things Parents Can Do Everyday With Their Children

Being a parent can often feel like a long, hard slog with no finish line in sight.

Parents are constantly being challenged, pushed and pressured to exceed their capabilities, to have it all.

It’s no surprise then that parents sometimes feel like they lose sight of what really matters, and what it really means to be a parent. That’s why we thought we might bring you back to the basics, with 12 things you can do everyday to show your child you care.

1. Tell Them You Love Them

This should go without saying, and for most of us it does. But sometimes, in the midst of all the craziness, and the busyness, that comes with childhood, parents forget that it’s important to stop and tell their kids that they’re loved. So take a moment today and tell your children that you love them, no matter what happens, and no matter if they’re angry or you are. Tell them you love them even when you aren’t close together, even when you don’t come right out and say it. Just tell them, and mean it. That’s what kids hold on to later.

2. Share Your History And Theirs�

History is important, and curious kids are always interested in hearing about theirs, and about yours. So tell your child their story, how they were born or adopted, how you came to choose their name, and how little they were so long ago. Then tell them your story, how you did similar things when you were the same age as them, how you looked like them, how you overcame things that were difficult for you. Tell them about yourself, about your favourite colour, the food you love most, what you dream about or even what you’re doing right now. Keep the lines of communication open, and they will too.

Next Page: More�Things Parents Can Do Everyday With Their Children

Clare Whitfield Chief Editor

Clare Whitfield is the Editor of Stay at Home Mum and a recognised voice in practical home management for Australian families. Based in the northern suburbs of Sydney, she balances editorial leadership with life as a stay at home mum to two school age children. Her background in home economics and more than a decade of experience in recipe development, family budgeting, and household systems inform her work.

See Full Bio