Five Things Your Kids Will Remember About You – Dave’s Diary

I’m looking forward to a trip to Vancouver this weekend to see my two oldest daughters.  Sara 30 and Dacotah 25  are a couple of fun, funny, kind, cool kids but as children of divorce, I always worry in the back of my mind about how my part in their childhood affects them today.

So... I’m on line, looking for stuff to share on the radio, and I come across Dave Willis and the Patheos Blog. Looks interesting and I will be reading more but right off the bat iI foud a post called The topic is Five Things your kids will remember about you—so I had to read and I had to share.  Thanks Dave Willis!

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davewillis/the-5-things-your-kids-will-remember-about-you/

1. The times you made them feel safe (or the times you made them feel unsafe).

Your kids will remember those moments you chased the monsters from under their bed or held them after a nightmare, but they’ll also remember the times when your temper became the monster they feared…make it your mission to make your children feel safe and secure at all times when they’re with you.

2. The times you gave them your undivided attention.

Kids measure love primarily by our attentiveness to them. The times you stop what you’re doing to have a tea party or go outside to throw a ball or jump on a trampoline with be memories etched into their minds and hearts forever. Take the time to do the little things with your kids, because in the end, they’ll be the moments that matter most.

3. The way you interacted with your spouse.

Our kids are forming their views of love in large part by watching how we treat our husband or wife. Strive to have the kind of marriage that makes them excited to get married someday.

4. Your words of affirmation AND your words of criticism.

A child’s heart is like wet cement and the impression made early in life will harden over time.  Part of our job as parents is to correct and discipline, but even in correction, let your words be full of love, encouragement and positive reinforcement.

5. Your family traditions.

Kids love spontaneity, but they also have  deep need for predictability. They’ll remember with great fondness the “traditions” you establish whether it’s a weekly family movie (or game) night, a place you regularly travel for family getaways, the way you celebrate birthdays and special events or any other special tradition.

Great advice for grandparents too!