Tell your children you are proud of them for whatever positive character
trait stands out in them-compassion, kindness, happiness, good work ethic, diligent, etc. Read more here.
Tell your husband thank you for being a great provider and that you
are proud that he is yours
Take time to play a game with your child
Set aside your household duties, bills, computer, etc. for 15 minutes and give your child your undivided
attention to tell you about his/her day and what is on their mind
Sit down and
give your husband your undivided attention for a few minutes when he comes home and wants to talk about his day
Put a note, stickers, or special pencil in your child's lunchbox as a surprise at lunchtime
Put a love note in your husband's lunch bag
Wash your family's
laundry(yes, clean socks DO say I Love You!)
Tell your pre-teen son what a handsome
young man he is. Read more here.
Tell your pre-teen daughter what a lovely young lady she is.
Read more here.
Turn off the TV, radio, ipod, cell phone, etc. at dinnertime and ask
about everyone's day
Make your child's favorite dessert
Make your hubby's favorite dinner
Give your daughter
flowers...just because
The next time your child spills his/her drink, stay
calm and tell them it's ok
Say please when you ask your child to do something
for you
Say thank you when they do
Tell
your child you are sorry when you are wrong
Do your child's least favotire chore
for one day, every once in a while
Make cookies with your child
Take finances seriously--don't always splurge when you can't afford it, don't accumulate a ton
of debt, pay your bills on time, seek financial help if you are in trouble already. You may ask, HOW is this loving
my family??? It IS loving your family because financial woes affect Mom and Dad, and the children sense it. Money
is one of the number one reasons families break up, and it isn't healthy for children to see their parents arguing all the
time. Keeping the electric on, having running water, and not having to worry about your house being foreclosed on are
GREAT ways to love your family, even if they cannot see it.
Don't bicker with your
husband
Resolve problems with your husband and children in a calm voice-no screaming.
(YES, this CAN be done!)
Play a game with the family
Make a family night, where you spend at least an hour or two together for fun or relaxation-read books in the same
room together and share a little about what you are reading, play a game, do trivia questions, do "get to know you"
questions, do silly questions, work on a puzzle--NO TV or computer during this time. Read more here.
Use cloth napkins at dinner
Teach
your child a craft skill
Keep your home tidy and homey--make it a safe place where
your family wants to go, to get away from the outside world. Rid yourself of clutter, have cozy blankets, couch pillows,
flower arrangements in a few rooms, and even a few stuffed animals for decor. Soft fabrics and soft colors add to coziness.
Make your home a place that is relaxing.
Keep healthy snacks in your home, and
make healthy meals, desserts sparingly. Yes, this too is loving your family. Illness can take many years off the
life of your child and husband.
Sit down together as a family and have each family
member paint a picture. Buy pretty frames for the pictures, then frame them and hang them up. The picture reminds
you of your family member that you love, and it shows your family that the fruit of their hands means enough to you to display
it.
Throw PERFECTION out the window! Don't
expect perfection, but expect their best in what they do.Read more here.
