Showing Kids We Care
The kids are back in school and the routine of homework, extracurricular activities, and getting the kids up-and-going begins yet again. Lost somewhere in the course of these busy days is the time to truly connect with our kids. Throw in our own adult obligations, geography, and teenagers who retreat to their rooms immediately upon entering the house, and real interaction with our kids seems futile. So many factors work against parents and grandparents, teachers and anyone else who works with kids, wanting to “be there”.
Several years ago I received “150 Ways to Show Kids You Care”, a list published by Search Institute.* I recently tacked this colorful list up on the wall by my desk as a reminder to pop the three teenage bubbles floating through our house and reach out in simple (hopefully not too irritating) ways, reminding my kids I’m here and have their backs. This new year I’m going to put forth extra effort and Pulseonparenting is going to hold me accountable. I will randomly draw the number of a suggestion at the beginning of each month in 2019 and work it into our family’s daily routine. Then, at the end of the month, I’ll report on Pulse how things went. I realize taking 12 ideas off a list of 150 is only the tip of the iceberg, but it’s a start.
Anything is progress.
For January, I drew number 130:
So here we go…
*”150 Ways to Show Kids You Care” was written by Jolene L. Roehlkepartain, poster design by Jeenee Lee. Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.
