11 Ways We Show “I Love You” To Our Children

I once came across a social media meme that advocated, “Don’t You Dare Go A Day Without Saying ‘I Love Your To Your Kids.’”

It was followed by tens of thousands of likes, and loads of “Yes!” “So true!”

But something about it made me think, “ick.”

So I did what anyone would do. I unfollowed the account and gave it way too much thought.

Because you and I already say enough “I love yous” to last a lifetime to our children. That’s just one of the amazing things about us.

And I think we’re allowed to skip a day or 100 days, or more.

This is why, and it’s big.

We already show our love in ways that are so meaningful and rich.

Here are 11 that we are amazing at. What might you add?

We’re listening to their tough days at school, when their best friend rides their bike home with someone else. When they get teased for their Halloween costume, even when they loved it.

We try our best to be present with our children, and put the cell phone away during the important moments. We forgive ourselves when Facebook calls.

We’re up in the middle of the night, feeling fevers, giving milk, listening to bad dreams, nurturing their tender hearts.

We begin new self-care rituals that fill our tanks, so we can let go of the overwhelm, or even resentment that might creep up on us.

We read up on the latest parenting advise, tabs open on the computer, even when we’re already rocking it in so many ways.

We set limits with our kids so that they feel secure, and allow their natural feelings when we can.

We do the work of nurturing our own playful, and sometimes wounded, inner child. We get better at understanding ourselves, why we feel triggered at times, and love ourselves more

We discover that when we truly accept and love ourselves for who we are, with all the highs and lows, we are better able to love and accept our children for who they are too.

We see our children deeply, and they can feel it.

We know that it’s always the simple moments that are cherished the most. The slow diaper changes. The meals together with a pretty lit candle. Watching our kids play in the backyard. The hours spent playing Monopoly.

Our own special ways is enough and valued by our children, truly.

So what if we forget for awhile to tell them we love them? They get it.

Pinky promise.

Lots of love,

Jesse xo