Your kid needs your time, love, and attention. They need to feel special. As a parent, you’re probably the most important influence in their life, so it’s up to you to make them smile and build their self-esteem. Especially if they are bad at understanding social cues and suffering among their peers as a result.
Consider these ideas for things you can do to make your kid feel special and invent some strategies of your own.
Everyday Practices to Make Your Kid Feel Special
Habits and rituals that become part of your routine family life will have the deepest impact. Even on your busiest days, you’ll be able to show your child how much you care just by doing your ordinary activities.
Integrate these practices into your regular routines:
1. Be enthusiastic. Listen attentively when your kid wants to talk with you. Share their excitement even if the subject is dead bugs or a cartoon you’ve both watched a hundred times. Don’t distract yourself with meaningless surfing or similar. Put down the phone or book when your kid interacts with you. Look them in the eye and interact with them.
2. Demonstrate affection. Give your kid hugs and kisses on a regular basis. Physical contact helps you bond with your children and may even enhance their brain development. Also, your stress levels will decrease and your oxytocin levels will rise when you hug and kiss, basically cuddle, your kids. So a win-win for both of you.
3. Offer praise. Let your kid know that you’re proud of them for their talents and for making an effort. Tell them how much you admire their ability to sing or skateboard. Applaud them for completing their homework or carrying packages for an elderly neighbor. even the smallest thing will boost their self-esteem. For my kid, even such a small thing as praise for putting on his clothing in a timely manner (which is a battle all in itself) can have him boasting to any guest.
4. Ask for help. Enlist your kid’s cooperation and give them a chance to teach you, too. Tell them that you appreciate the part they play in keeping the household running smoothly. Thank them for explaining a new slang word or demonstrating how to play a popular video game. My middle kid loves to help out. He can gladly vacuum or help me carry the mail from the post box, and he is a toddler. Think what your kid could do if just asked.
5. Go for a drive. Make your errands more meaningful, so invite your kid to come along. Even if it takes you a little longer to complete your work, the conversations are worth it.
6. Encourage hobbies. How does your child spend their free time? Limit TV and computer time so they can take up a hobby that will make them more interesting and accomplished.
7. Do chores together. Taking responsibility builds your kid’s confidence. Put them in charge of setting the dinner table or walking the dog. Or just watch over a younger sibling so you can do something fast, like fetching something in another room.
8. Read bedtime stories. The hours spent preparing for sleep are an ideal opportunity to unwind and connect. Snuggle together and share your favorite books. Makeup stories based on your real-life experiences.
9. Enjoy family dinners. Mealtime is another chance to spend some uninterrupted time together. Your kids will strengthen their conversation skills and probably eat healthier.
Festive Gestures to Make Your Kid Feel Special
Of course, there’s also room for thoughtful surprises and occasional treats. You can brighten up your kid’s day without having to spend a lot of money.
Try these ideas:
1. Send mail. Physical mail is so rare these days that anything you send may seem exceptional. Write a letter to your child for their birthday or give them a book related to their hobby.
2. Volunteer as a family. Helping others is a surefire way to feel more satisfied with your life. Talk with your child about what causes excite them and look for fun and easy projects that they’ll want to do again and again.
3. Plan outings. Short trips can give you more family time and help your child to continue learning outside the classroom. Visit a science museum in your neighborhood or your next vacation destination. But be careful to promise things that might be canceled. Especially if you have a neurodivergent kid. like me. They can be bad at handling disappointment. Or complete surprises. But you know what your kid can handle. Mine is very literal so a promise is set in stone and nothing can change that in his mind.
4. Dine out. Restaurants provide a fun place for brushing up on etiquette. You may want to start with casual spots where your kid will feel welcome as they practice ordering off the menu and using their indoor voice. Again you know your kid and what works for them.
5. Celebrate holidays. Create family traditions for Christmas and Halloween. Even simple practices like baking a favorite dessert can become powerful over the years. In this house we search for eggs filled with candy on easter and gingerbread cookies is a must for Christmas. And on Halloween, we sometimes dress up.
Always Remember
Making your kid feel loved, respected, and special will help them to grow up to be happy and responsible adults. Treasure your time together and create memories that you’ll both enjoy for years to come.