Ten Ways to Say “I’m the Luckiest Parent in the World!”

It’s not just about saying the words “I love you” to your children on a regular basis. It’s also important to tell them why they bring joy to your life or why you are proud of them. At our house my boys often hear me say that I’m the luckiest Mommy in the whole wide world. I often follow that silly remark with a few of the reasons why I believe I’m so lucky. Remind them about the last time they made you laugh or the last time they surprised you with extra good behavior. Here are some ways to say it on Valentine’s Day….or any day!

• Leave a love note. Don’t limit these to the lunch box; leave one near their toothbrush or on their pillow. If you’re planning a trip, leave one where they’ll find it once you’ve gone. Include a coupon for an ice-cream treat together that they can redeem whenever they’d like.
• Locker surprise. You’ll make your child’s week if you leave a little treat for them at school to find unexpectedly. If your work schedule makes this sound impossible, enlist the help of their best friend. They will love being in on the surprise!
• Send them an IM. They’ll think you’re reminding them what time to be home. Instead, tell your teen how impressed you are about something they’ve recently done.
• Screen saver. Leave a fun message for them on the computer they use most often. Tell them why you’re proud of them.
• Surprise date night. As they settle in front of the TV for the evening, surprise them with plans to go to the mall, a movie, for a quick game of bowling or laser tag.
• Take a few minutes to really look at what’s in that Take Home folder. Rather than quickly flipping through the pile of work sent home in your child’s backpack, take the time to sit down with your child and talk about their work. Show them that their school achievements are important to you.
• Ask them what their favorite meal is and then prepare it when they least expect it. You may want to ask because they may have a new favorite on their list!
• Make time for an extra long snuggle. Whether it’s first thing in the morning or when it’s time to tuck them in. Climb in and share a snuggle. Talk about the best part of their day or the dreams you had last night.
• Send her flowers. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the first flowers your daughter ever received were from the man who loved her first and always will?
• Get the big picture. Have some of your favorite fun and silly photos of your children enlarged to 8x10 or poster size. Fill the wall of a toy room, the laundry room or even a closet with shared moments you all want to remember.