10 Simple Ways Kids Show They Love Us
I recently visited a friend and her brand new baby boy. Just holding him, sweet-smelling and snuggly swaddled, was enough to get me thinking about expanding our family. Sure my husband and I had agreed our family felt complete, but I had forgotten what a wonderfully peaceful feeling it was to cradle a sleeping newborn in my arms.
That’s when the baby woke up, pooped, and began to wail. As I was handing him back to his mother she mentioned she hadn’t slept in days. Slowly the memories came back to me. For all their perks, babies are selfish creatures. You spend that first year at their beck and call, lavishing your affection upon them. Your payment? A coo or a smile (or was that gas?).
Baby babble is great and all, but I much prefer the everyday expressions of love from my big kids. Here are just a few simple ways our children show they love us:
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They don't want you to leave
Whether you are going on a long business trip or just outside to mow the grass, if they wrap their arms around your legs and ask you not to go it's a sure sign they love having you around.
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They leave things in your bed
Ever crawl into bed at the end of a long day and find a surprise hidden in your sheets? Sippy cups, stuffed animals, or their favorite book -- take it as a token of your child's affection.
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They invite you to play with them
They could pick up a video game or watch television, but instead they are begging you to play make-believe with them. Drop everything and do it. They'll love you even more.
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You show up in all their drawings
Recognize anyone in their works of art? If your crayon likeness is making a regular appearance it's a sure sign you are on their mind.
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They bring you presents
Rocks, dandelions, and finger paintings -- these are a child's gift of love.
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They seek comfort in you
Only you can kiss away the pain of a scraped knee or scare away the monsters under their bed. It's a simple sign that they need you.
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They want you to see their talents
Whether they are begging you to watch their long distance leap from the playground swings or reciting their alphabet, they want to impress you and make you proud.
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They offer you a bite of their food
Maybe soggy goldfish crackers and suspiciously wet fruit snacks crammed into your mouth against your will aren't your favorite food, but that bite of cookie they let you sneak...that's love.
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They share their secrets with you
From embarrassing moments to the name of the girl in class they think is pretty, a story just between the two of you is a sure sign of their trust in you. Who better to trust than those we love?
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They tell you
Kids are brutally honest. If they say they love you, chances are they mean it!
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20 Easy Ways to Show Kids How Much You Love Them
I don’t exactly know how I stumbled upon your blog but everytime I read one of your entries, I am so very glad I did! This entry actually made tears come to my eyes. You are a wonderful writer-quite a proud mama
oh, and also, your babies are absolutely gorgeous!
liked your post/ blog but don’t forget macaroni cards, that they are proud they made to happily give to you as a gift ^_^
suspiciously wet fruit snacks crammed into your mouth against your will- that sums it up brilliantly. So do the extremely wet, slimy kisses that cover your face in spit and love.
love this!
lol yeah the soggy drool covered food bit hits the nail right on the head. My 14 month old loves trying to feed mommy bits of what he has been eating and each time I tell him he is so sweet for wanting to share, but mommy doesn’t want “whatever drool covered food”.