30 Little Things That Mean a Lot to Children

Although these gestures may seem unimportant to adults, little ones will certainly appreciate them. Here are a few simple tips to put a smile on your child’s face.

Wear that macaroni necklace to work. Well, at least until you’re safely out the door.
Stick a family mantra or slogan (Invincible! We can handle anything!) on the fridge door and call it out with your child if he feels discouraged.
Go for a walk with just one of your children.
Put a note (and the occasional piece of chocolate) in their bread bin.
Build a Minecraft world together.
Say ‘yes’ to something that is not normally allowed, like sitting on the kitchen counter.

Be as enthusiastic in amusement parks as they are.
If you argue in front of your child, make sure they are there when you make up for it.
If their room looks like a whirlwind has roared through it, close the bedroom door and get on with your day.
Skype or FaceTime occasionally with Grandma.
If your child has really tried his best, but still feels miserable and anxious, and really, really wants to stop playing football, hockey or any other hobby, give him permission,
Have your four-year-old stomp into every puddle. Even without rain boots.

Take out the glitter glue and make a birthday card for your child.
Adopt a pet that needs a home – and your child’s love.
Give your toddler a chance to solve his or her own problems in the sandbox or on the playground before you intervene.
Postpone the how-was-at-your-school questions if your child comes home grumpy and tired. You can always try again during dinner.
Develop your own rituals and traditions: tacos every Tuesday, cycling on Sunday afternoons, picking apples in autumn.

For a change, ask your child how to do something. Once you’ve mastered it, tell him he’s a good teacher.
Have your child wear clothes to the supermarket. All month if he wants.
Make sure your child ‘happens to’ listen in when you say something sweet about him.
Stay up late to watch the full moon together.
Print children’s photos so that they will have a physical memento of their childhood later.

Don’t ask your child to let go too quickly. Everyone needs an outlet once in a while.
Bake heart-shaped pancakes for breakfast.
Turn on the music halfway through a homework session and have a dance party.
Think up a secret family handprint together.
Hang a chalkboard in their room to leave messages for each other.
Start a pillow fight.
Share your old diaries, photos and letters from your own childhood with your child.
Thank your child when he does a job on his own, even if it’s small, such as hanging up a wet towel or refilling a water jug uninvited.

If you implement these 30 things, your child surely will remember you as a good and fun parent.