50 Ways to Connect with Kids Without Even Trying

When I thought about becoming a parent, I knew I wanted to connect with my kids.

And, when I found out I was pregnant, I think I dreaded the teenage years immediately – how will I connect with them then? I thought.  But, it didn’t matter because in the beginning, it was about snuggling, bonding, nursing/bottle feeding, gazing and trying to survive the sleep deprivation while having a newborn.  Later, connecting with kids has gotten a little more complicated as my kids have started to make friends, become more independent, and find their own interests.  But, that doesn’t mean they don’t still need me (and I need them, too!).

That’s why I love this simple list because it reminds me that connecting with my kids doesn’t have to be complicated, instead it can be as easy as just moving my chair a little closer to theirs…

50 Ways To Connect With Kids Without Trying

1. Sit closer to them.
2. Hold their hand.
3. Give them a hug.
4. Write a secret love note.
5. Share their favorite snack.
6. Have a date together.
7. Pick them up and hold them.
8. Snuggle with them.
9. Go for a walk together.
10. Turn off the TV.
11. Turn off the radio.
12. Sing their favorite song.
13. Read a book together.
14. Sit on the floor together.
15. Make a joke.
16. Tickle them.
17. Play chase.
18. Laugh together.
19. Make up a story.
20. Ask about their day.
21. Smile at them.
22. Make their favorite breakfast.
23. Have a picnic (inside the house).
24. Go to a new park.
25. Ride bikes.
26. Blow them a kiss.
27. Have a secret hand shake.
28. Say the same thing to them every night (My husband says, “you’re special to me,” to the kids every single night).
29. Gaze at them.
30. Take a picture with them.
31. Draw them a picture.
32. Share a blanket.
33. Have a cup of hot cocoa together. (recipe below)
34. Give them a piggy back ride.
35. Share your favorite memory.
36. Do their hair (and let them do yours).
37. Let them wear your favorite shirt to bed.
38. Dance together.
39. Whisper while you talk (and try not to laugh).
40. Go down the slide together.
41. Pick flowers.
42. Play ball.
43. Teach them I love you in sign language
44. Wear their favorite color.
45. Blow bubbles.
46. Compliment them.
47. Kiss them on the cheek.
48. Love their stuffed animals as much as they do.
49. Tell them, “I like you.”
50. Tell them, “I love you.” (there’s a difference!)

Here’s our super easy hot cocoa recipe:

Heat 2 c. of milk on the stove top (we use lactaid free and it works great!)

Add 1/4 scant cup of chocolate chips (a handful works, too)

Heat and whisk until melted

Makes 2 cups of cocoa to share

Add whipped cream with a few drops of peppermint essential oils to put this over the top!

 

It’s amazing how easy it is to forget some of these easy ways to connect with kids!

What would you add?

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