Notes in unexpected places. Even if your little one can’t read yet, you can draw them a picture. Kids will love this surprise in their pocket and will treasure knowing that you planned this especially for them. Examples of places you could put them include: under their breakfast plate, in their coat pocket, in their car seat, on top of their toothbrush, folded inside their cereal bowl.
Stickers. Stickers are cheap, quick, and popular with kids of all ages. Buy many sheets of stickers in advance and then put them on your kids’ shirts before they go to school. Tell them that whenever they see the sticker, they can remember that you love them!
Journal. Buy a special notebook that your child picks out. Every day, write down their favorite thing they did that day. They will be able to read this over later in life and will cherish it, and best of all, it literally only takes a minute or less. If you get into the routine of doing it at the same time every day, like dinner time, it will be easy to remember.
“Tattoo.” Using a ballpoint pen, draw your child a special little picture on the inside of their arm. Tell them that this is a special tattoo that shows everyone how much you love them, or for a shyer child, tell them that this is a secret tattoo that only you and her know about, that means you love them. For bonus points, let your child draw one on your arm too, so you match.
Kiss box. This is an empty box that they can decorate. You can put a kiss “into” it when you leave for work or to go out. Tell them that if they ever miss you, they can open the box and take out a kiss. There is a great picture book, The Kiss Box, that you can read with your child if they like the kiss box idea.
Special code. You make up a special code with your child that means “I love you.” For my daughter and I it is a finger in the ear. Your child will enjoy thinking up their own special code, and whenever one of you does the signal, the other should respond. Different parents and sibling pairs can all make up their own special codes.
Special book. Designate one of your child’s favorite short picture books as your special book. Before bed, no matter if you read other books or not (of course, the more reading, the better!), always read your special book too. 8. Aluminium foil animal. With practice, you can whip one of these up in a minute. It’s not perfect, but your kid will love it and will like to take it to school, if they are little enough not to realize it’s weird looking (come on people, it’s a duck).
Special spy names. You can make up secret spy names with your child, like Red Turtle or Dancing Flamingo. The sillier the better. Only you two know the secret names, so your child will feel special. If your child likes pretending to be a spy, you can keep this game going and make up a new spy code word every day.
Special song. Make up a little song for your child based on a melody you love, that is only for you and her. For example: You are my Clara, my only Clara, you make me happy when skies are gray, you’ll never know dear, how much Mommy loves you, please don’t take my Clara Bear away.
Hopefully some of these tips help you or inspire you to come up with your own. Even if you don’t have the time or resources to spend extensive individual time with your child each day, small things can make them feel loved and cherished, and you will feel pretty good too. Featured photo credit: Connect with your preschooler via drpsychmom.com
