Ever since I became a grandmother, it seems as if I've taken on the self-appointed role of "Grantam" to just about every baby or small child I come into contact with.
It's as if I have a new found appreciation and affection for each and every little precious soul I come in contact with.
Maybe it's because I hadn't really noticed how many sheer bundles of joy there are around us until my grandson was born.
When I do grab the attention of a precocious toddler or infant interacting (normally) with his or her Mom in the grocery store or discount chain I tend to spend money in weekly, an overwhelming feeling takes over me and I abruptly interject something like, "you're so cute and smart" or "who taught you how to be so sweet?" Of course I'm speaking on their level with loving expressions as well.
Now, although my compliments may sound cheesy even to me, it's always too late to take back my grandmotherly intrusion.
The good news is that Mommy and child usually beam about what has been implied about their beautiful off-spring and it seems to uplift their day if only for a moment.
So, because I have unofficially joined the ranks of the wise-older-lady infantry, I feel it's time to pass my sage advice onto young parents or to anyone willing to take heed to my suggestions wherever you might be.
The Seven Ways to Show Your Kids Affection Daily are: 1.
Exchange big hugs with them as many times as you can during the day.
I know it can be challenging to stop what you're doing or to even take hold of your toddler when they're being extremely active, but try and catch them when you can.
Of course we all know that teens often feel they've grown out of such "meaningless" displays of affection (even in private), but if you can slip one or two bear hugs in between activities and social calendars, then it's well worth the intent.
Don't forget to plant a kiss on the cheek or forehead if you can even if it's simultaneously wiped away (lol).
2.
Older children can be lightly caressed with a thank you note that says how much you're glad they were born or how you appreciate them doing their homework or chores even if you demanded that they do so.
Notes and short letters of kindness can go a long way during a child's life because they can always re-read it when they're not feeling so great about themselves.
3.
Read a book to them or have them read to you not only before they go to sleep at night but at anytime of the day when you have some quiet time.
Turn off the TV, video games, computer or any other distraction.
Although they don't always show it, kids need quality time with their parents.
They solemnly yearn for it.
4.
Express yourself with innocent winks or raised eyebrows towards them from across the room.
It'll probably embarrass them when and if you're still doing that when they get older but so what, you're attempting to do your part as a role model by letting them know you can be vulnerable too.
5.
Play catch or some other outdoor activity with them whenever you can.
By all means, please be sure to cheer them on even if they're losing or their athletic skills may not be sufficient for your high standards.
Sincere encouragement can make a world of difference in a child's life.
I'm living proof of it.
6.
Come up with silly faces that mean something special to your family.
When my brother and I were young we came up with a very animated-looking facial expression that we would only use as a sort of secret-code.
It's meaning was priceless and I did pass that silliness onto my daughter, although it's very difficult to get her to return the gesture today as it may crinkle up her beautiful well made-up face.
We'll see if my grandson will catch hold of it's playfulness once he gets older.
7.
Discipline with love not with anger.
When I was coming up it seemed to be acceptable for a parent to beat their child senseless.
For many parents today, it's still status quo.
Since I'm not a child psychologist or family therapist, I will not offer my credence for or against spanking your child with a belt or switch.
What I will say is that however you decide to impose discipline make sure you do it for the good of your children.
What I do know is it's imperative that they understand the reason why you are putting them in time-out, punishment or whatever the case may be.
Let them know that you want what's best for them and that you're instilling the correct values that they'll need throughout their lives.
Ending a discipline session by listening to them and with a hug or kiss and thoughtful, caring words lets them know they're still very special and extremely important to you.
The last thing you want to do is make them feel sad, useless or weak.
Your job is to help make them strong and a productive members of society.
It's as if I have a new found appreciation and affection for each and every little precious soul I come in contact with.
Maybe it's because I hadn't really noticed how many sheer bundles of joy there are around us until my grandson was born.
When I do grab the attention of a precocious toddler or infant interacting (normally) with his or her Mom in the grocery store or discount chain I tend to spend money in weekly, an overwhelming feeling takes over me and I abruptly interject something like, "you're so cute and smart" or "who taught you how to be so sweet?" Of course I'm speaking on their level with loving expressions as well.
Now, although my compliments may sound cheesy even to me, it's always too late to take back my grandmotherly intrusion.
The good news is that Mommy and child usually beam about what has been implied about their beautiful off-spring and it seems to uplift their day if only for a moment.
So, because I have unofficially joined the ranks of the wise-older-lady infantry, I feel it's time to pass my sage advice onto young parents or to anyone willing to take heed to my suggestions wherever you might be.
The Seven Ways to Show Your Kids Affection Daily are: 1.
Exchange big hugs with them as many times as you can during the day.
I know it can be challenging to stop what you're doing or to even take hold of your toddler when they're being extremely active, but try and catch them when you can.
Of course we all know that teens often feel they've grown out of such "meaningless" displays of affection (even in private), but if you can slip one or two bear hugs in between activities and social calendars, then it's well worth the intent.
Don't forget to plant a kiss on the cheek or forehead if you can even if it's simultaneously wiped away (lol).
2.
Older children can be lightly caressed with a thank you note that says how much you're glad they were born or how you appreciate them doing their homework or chores even if you demanded that they do so.
Notes and short letters of kindness can go a long way during a child's life because they can always re-read it when they're not feeling so great about themselves.
3.
Read a book to them or have them read to you not only before they go to sleep at night but at anytime of the day when you have some quiet time.
Turn off the TV, video games, computer or any other distraction.
Although they don't always show it, kids need quality time with their parents.
They solemnly yearn for it.
4.
Express yourself with innocent winks or raised eyebrows towards them from across the room.
It'll probably embarrass them when and if you're still doing that when they get older but so what, you're attempting to do your part as a role model by letting them know you can be vulnerable too.
5.
Play catch or some other outdoor activity with them whenever you can.
By all means, please be sure to cheer them on even if they're losing or their athletic skills may not be sufficient for your high standards.
Sincere encouragement can make a world of difference in a child's life.
I'm living proof of it.
6.
Come up with silly faces that mean something special to your family.
When my brother and I were young we came up with a very animated-looking facial expression that we would only use as a sort of secret-code.
It's meaning was priceless and I did pass that silliness onto my daughter, although it's very difficult to get her to return the gesture today as it may crinkle up her beautiful well made-up face.
We'll see if my grandson will catch hold of it's playfulness once he gets older.
7.
Discipline with love not with anger.
When I was coming up it seemed to be acceptable for a parent to beat their child senseless.
For many parents today, it's still status quo.
Since I'm not a child psychologist or family therapist, I will not offer my credence for or against spanking your child with a belt or switch.
What I will say is that however you decide to impose discipline make sure you do it for the good of your children.
What I do know is it's imperative that they understand the reason why you are putting them in time-out, punishment or whatever the case may be.
Let them know that you want what's best for them and that you're instilling the correct values that they'll need throughout their lives.
Ending a discipline session by listening to them and with a hug or kiss and thoughtful, caring words lets them know they're still very special and extremely important to you.
The last thing you want to do is make them feel sad, useless or weak.
Your job is to help make them strong and a productive members of society.