Simple Daily Ways to Tell Your Tweens/kids You Love Them!

I tell my 2 year old I love you every night while I am putting her to bed. I also say it throughout the day at times, but I make a point to say it every night so I never forget. I want her to know how much I love her, because my mom never really communicated how she felt to me, and my sister and I were somewhat scarred from it.

My mom used to leave little sticky notes inside my lunch bag. It was the first thing I'd look for when opening it... she did this until I graduated from high school and I was never embarrassed to read it and show it to my friends. There's nothing better than to think that your parents were thinking about you when you weren't even in the room with them.

I brag, in their presense.

I also brag electronically, I tell the WHOLE WORLD how fantastic kid X is cause he got a 93 on the midterm he was SOOOO worried about.

(Rule is, they must be my friend on FB, myspace, etc, and cannot block me)

On birthdays and every major holiday I post how lucky I am to be their Mom (and I mean it too, I mean, where DID they come from anyway).

I still 'tuck in' the two at home (16 and 13) although it's ME going to sleep not them. I say, I think it's really COOL that you gave your sister the last Slim Jim.....and kiss them Goodnight.

My oldest is away at school, I posted his first semester grades (gee wiz, 3.83 in second year classes, how does he do it?!) on FB. We text/chat every single day.

On the RARE occasion I am dissappointed in one of them, I usually say NOTHING AT ALL, which does the trick. Nobody wants the cold shoulder from a Mom who literally will dance on the dining room table on report card day!

Great post, and a great reminder, think I'll go tell them again how AWESOME they are!!

:)

Hi Julie-

I started this when my kids were in elementary school...I sent a 'lunch riddle/joke' in with them every day. They still talk about it today! I got some joke/riddle books...and checked them off as I used them. Their school mates got a kick out of it too!

Best luck!
Michele/cat

I tell them.
I hug them.
I kiss them.
I let them sit on my lap no matter how big they are.
I cuddle them.
I do things with them.
I don't compare them to each other.
I take an interest in what they are saying. Even if I heard them say the same things a million times.
I tell them I am proud of them.
I tell them they are special.
I tell them I am glad I have them.
I tell them, I am always there for them, even if grumpy.
I let them tell me their feelings.
I surprise them with their favorite dishes.
I respect them.
I tell them they are original and that is good.
I let them be themselves.
I accept them for who they are.
I tell them that, so they know it.

all the best,
Susan

My girl loves the quarter machine stuff I would bring her from the grocery store. She's 18 and still does! I pick up stickers, little blingy rings, temporary tattos, whatever they happen to have at that store. I also will pick up little sparkly nail polish or a hair hootie when I see something on sale - the One Spot at Target is great for that. I never spend more than pocket change on the stuff, but it's cool to pull a little something out of my purse and see her smile. It lets her know that she is ALWAYS on my mind. Not just on her birthday. Another thing I do for my sweetheart is make sure she gets mail. I like to send her cards - Valentines, Birthday, or just silly cards. I put little sticker sheets in them or a gift card to Starbucks. I also get her magazine subscriptions. That way 1 day a month she gets a little smile and reminder that mommy loves her. I know all I've listed are things I've bought. I assume you already do stuff together. Plan mother daughter dates and drive them all over town! Make breakfast together, etc. Another overlooked way to show them you love them is discipline!!! Help them with homework and hold them accountable for thier grades and choices. Show your faith in them by requiring a high level of achievement.

"I love you"
"I'm proud of you"
"You rock!"
but mostly the first one. :)

I love dry erase markers to write on mirrors - they clean up with just a wipe and are a great way to leave a note in the bathroom or on their bedroom mirror. Also, my kids are younger, but we have bath crayons that can be used to write a message on the shower walls. They day take a little cleanser to really get off, but they're fun! I think little surprise notes in their school books or backpack/lunch are great as are bringing home their favorite treat or a coupon to do something special with you. We have a Sonic in town that offers "happy hour" where all drinks are 1/2 price. The kids love to get a slushy and it only costs $.50.

Oh soooo many ways...and you're probably doing many of them already!

One thing my kids really love(my boys and girl) are when I rest next to them at night before they go to sleep...and we just chat a little bit. It's such a great time as they are peaceful and there are no distractions...a 5 minute conversation in that peaceful setting goes a really long way! Sometimes we talk about 'nothing' and sometimes they have things they really want to share..carving out that tiny bit of 'special' time really makes us all feel loved!

Mine are 14 and 15.
Every night before bed, I give them a hug and a kiss, even if they have a friend over.
I give them a hug or a high five when they leave for school in the morning.
I try to remember to tell them how proud I am of them.
I attend their school events and other community events.
I show an interest in their activities.

My kids love to hear stories about when they were little. I tell them these stories and how funny, sweet they were back then and they are even better now.

Just tell them. I was always told by my Mom that she loved me and that she was proud of me and she just wanted me to be happy in life. I am 27 now and there isnt a doubt in my mind that she meant it then and she means it now. My husband grew up in a household where it wasnt expected to get a hug and kiss when you either left or came home and when we started dating he was a bit thrown off by my need I guess you could call it to do this with him and my Mom expects the same from him too.
Im sure that they know you love them but it never hurts to hear it and really it never gets old

Aside from being present in their life, telling them and the gestures that have been suggested - I would recommend the book The Five Love Languages (for children) by Gary Chapman. You can have your girls take a 'test' that generates a result on what their love language is. I just looked and there is a survey specific to teenagers - it says, "The Love Language Profile for Teenagers is designed to give you a thorough analysis of your teenager’s emotional communication preference. It will single out their primary love language, what it means, and how you can use it to better understand them during this stage of their life." http://www.5lovelanguages.com/assessments/love/
The website also has a section to briefly explain each love language but the book itself is a valuable tool as it goes into comprehensive details. I know life is busy but try to get the book (it's likely at your local county library) and read it.

My mom used to randomly leave little notes in my lunch bag. It was so cute and I still think about that now!