The end of the school year is around the corner. Working parents juggle camps, day care, and visits to the grandparents while the stay-at-home parent prepares for a summer of activities, pool and park time, and moments of boredom—for the kids, I mean. 
That’s the reason now is a good time to think about the things you love about your kids. Their room may look like a Class 4 tornado just passed through; however, they still have many redeeming qualities. So before you face the last day of school, take a minute to consider each child in a positive light.
Here are three reasons to help you summon those thoughts of love and encouragement—if you need help. If not, then sit down and start writing. The day will come when you will want to locate this note and revisit your adolescent’s best qualities.
1. Be thankful your kids can run and play. It means they are healthy and happy. It’s also an indication that you are raising youngsters who are active and enjoy the outdoors. There are thousands of mothers with children who are not able to go outdoors. Consider the chaotic days a blessing.
2. Appreciate the little things your kids do. When my daughter was young, she would pick flowers and surprise me with a fist full of love. Yes, sometimes they were flowers from the garden pulled up by the roots. Resist the urge to complain. Enjoy these special little moments; they don’t last long enough.
You could thank them for the pictures they draw for you, for picking up their toys, or taking their dirty dishes to the sink. Take note of the seemingly minor things and thank them for their thoughtfulness and help.
3. Do they brush their teeth, comb their hair, and put on clean clothes each day? OK, maybe some days it’s two out of three. Whatever the case, let them know you value their good hygiene habits. The activities that get praised get repeated.
It only takes a few minutes to write two or three lines of gratitude and encouragement. Those three lines–written specifically for them– will get your summer off to a fantastic start!
How would you like to make your child/children feel special and strengthen the relationship? It’s simple. Take a few minutes to write them a note throughout the summer. Your notes have the biggest impact if you give them randomly, say every 10-14 days. Add it to your digital calendar.
Surprise them with the note reminding them why they are special to you. Make it extra-special, include 30-minutes or more of one-on-one time. It doesn’t have to cost anything. It could be a walk in the neighborhood, playing at the park, or an occasional ice cream treat. At the end of your time together, give them your note. If you are a two-parent family, make sure you both get some one-on-one time—even if you are the stay-at-home parent.
There is something very special about having your own individual time with a parent. It is the perfect opportunity for each of you to discover new things and to develop some common interests.
When you stop to consider there are 10,080 minutes in a week, 30 minutes is far less than one percent of your week! Think of the benefits and blessings you—and your child—receive from that small segment of your week. Spend time with your children. Give them a note to treasure. These are definitely worthwhile investments.
And by the way, if that messy room is still bothering you– close the door and walk away.
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