Kids are the best! But showing them how much they mean to you each and every day can be a challenge. If you’re looking for some brilliant and easy ideas for making your children feel valued, there are many ways without resorting to sweets or cash (though those never go amiss). Most kids value being listened to as well as having their opinion valued but there are lots of other ways to make them feel special. Here’s our ultimate list of the best small ways you can help make your kid, or someone else’s, feel special!
Top Ways to Make Your Kid Feel Special:
- Be a good listener
- Ask your child for help
- Eat together as a family
- Be affectionate
- Show interest in the things they love
- Be open to their opinions
- Show small acts of kindness
1. Be a good listener
One of the easiest ways to make your kid feel special is to listen when they talk. Active listening means stopping whatever you’re doing, maintaining eye contact, and immersing yourself in the moment. Of course, sometimes it’s not possible to completely stop what you’re doing. In these cases, make sure to communicate to your kid that you’re unable to give them your full attention and ask if you can continue the conversation when you’re finished.
2. Ask your child for help
Everyone likes to feel needed! From time to time, ask your child for help with the cooking or household chores. You might request that they help you find the ingredients you need from the kitchen cabinets, take out the recycling, put away laundry or set the table. Don’t forget to thank them for their hard work and for helping you keep things running smoothly for the whole family!
3. Eat together as a family
Sitting down and having a meal together is a brilliant way to bond and reconnect as a family. Remember, these mealtimes should be screentime-free zones. Make it a point to really enjoy the food, whether it’s a home-cooked meal or a takeaway, and make conversation by asking questions about your child’s day and sharing stories from your own.
4. Be affectionate
Most children respond well to affection, whether that’s hugs, cuddles or holding hands. Even if you’re not a particularly touchy-feely family, you can show physical affection in other ways, like developing your own secret handshakes!
5. Show interest in the things they love
Expressing interest in the things your kid loves is a wonderful way to show them how special they are to you. You might make it a point to actively listen when they’re talking about their favourite toys or games, or you might even dedicate a little time each day to playing these toys and games with them! Sharing in your children’s hobbies, interests and passions can make them feel supported and loved.
6. Be open to their opinions
Compared to adults, most children don’t have much input in their daily lives–things like their activity and school schedules and what they eat are usually decided for them. Asking for your children’s opinions from time to time can help them feel special and respected. For example, you might allow them to decide what the family will be having for dinner once a week, or let them pick an activity to do at the weekend.
7. Show small acts of kindness
Everyone loves a pleasant surprise! You might slip a cute note or drawing into your child’s packed lunch, buy them a ‘just-because’ gift like a new toy or book, stop at a cafe for a hot chocolate or get up a little early to make their favourite elaborate breakfast on a school day. Sprinkling these little acts of kindness into your life can help your child see how important they are to you.
Looking for a great gift for that special kid in your life? Check out the toys and games on our website!
Where did the rabbits go after they got married? A bunny-moon!
