30 Things Kids Wish Their Parents Would Say and Do Better...
I sat down with 3 of my children (the ones who can speak), and I asked them some questions. I wanted to know, from their perspective, what they wish that parents would say and do better. I asked them to be thoughtful about it, and give answers that would apply to all parents. Of course, the only experience they have is with their own parents -- so the list might be indicative of things that I could personally improve on. The list is simple, but profound. As you read over the list you will see that what children really want from parents is time and attention. Is there anything greater we can give?
30 things that parents could do better
(According to Sammi, Daniel, and William van Ormer, and in no particular order...)
- Make eye contact (especially when a child is speaking to you)
- Smile
- Really listen to me/show interest in what I am saying
- Give compliments on my talents and accomplishments
- Cuddle with me during movie time
- Go for walks as a family
- Rub my back
- Run your fingers through my hair (requested by my boys)
- Do projects together (painting, creating things, even yard work)
- Color with me
- Build train tracks with me
- Take us camping
- Tell me I am handsome
- Bake cookies more often
- Play catch together in the backyard
- Take us to throw rocks in the river
- Take us to the park
- Tell me I am AWESOME!
- Watch movies that everyone likes
- Sing with me
- Tell me stories about when you were young
- Make good dinners (NOT Borscht)
- Don't freakout when we lose the remote
- Don't play on your phone when we are watching movies together
- Help me with my homework
- Let us build blanket forts in the living room
- Braid my hair (requested by my girl)
- Come to my games and concerts
- Encourage me, and say nice things about me
- Don't shout so much
Well, looks like someone has a little bit of work to do . . . someone, like me!
great list! i am not sure i'd dare to ask my kids....i am afraid of what they'd say!!
ReplyDeleteI love these! Even some of my boys had similar lists! It's obviously in the family 'blood' ;) thanks!!
ReplyDeleteLike Erin I would be afraid of what my kids would say. It is true that what our kids really want is our love and TIME. They need us to be not just physically there but present. Why is that so hard for us mom's sometimes?
ReplyDeleteLove this. I just wish the train tracks one weren't true... I get so bored of building train tracks! There are definitely some pointers here that hit home.
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