Every child naturally wants to feel cared for and considered special by their parents. When these needs are met, children tend to feel calmer and more comfortable, Mom.
In the midst of a busy mother’s life, ensuring that her child feels cared for is no easy feat. This is especially true if you have more than one child, as time and attention must be shared equitably.
This effort is certainly very important for a child’s growth and development. When children feel loved, they can develop greater self-confidence and self-esteem.
Conversely, if children feel they are not getting enough attention, the impact can be seen in their behavior. According to California child psychologist Laura Kauffman, PhD, children tend to be less obedient and may try to get their parents’ attention.
“These kids tend to be less compliant with household rules, and they may try to get their parents’ attention in less positive ways, including fighting with siblings or misbehaving at school,” Kauffman said, according to AOL today.
“Ultimately, our goal [as parents] is to convey unconditional love through focused attention with clear boundaries and rules that will allow them to tolerate the inevitable breaks in our attention,” she adds.
Simple ways to make children feel special every day according to psychologists
Seeing this, children need to understand that there are times when they can get their parents’ full attention, and there are also times when they can’t, Mom.
This isn’t always easy. However, with the right approach, you can still make your child feel special every day. Here are six simple ways you can implement:
1. Give full attention through eye contact
We might like to feel like we’re listening to our children even while doing other things. However, this divided attention can make them feel less cared for.
When your child wants to talk, try to pause what you’re doing. Give eye contact and your full attention so they feel valued.
According to psychologist Kauffman, if you can’t stop what you’re doing right now, just tell your child honestly. Ask for a moment to finish the task, then come back and listen to them.
2. Set aside special time without distractions
It doesn’t take much to make a child feel special. Even just 10 minutes a day can mean a lot to them.
The most important thing is to truly spend this time with your child. Let them choose the activities they want to do. During this time together, try to avoid distractions.
If possible, put gadgets out of reach for a while. This way, you can focus better and your child will feel truly cared for.
3. Ask your child more specific questions.
Children often respond curtly to simple questions like “How was school?”. Why? This is because the question is too basic and doesn’t delve deeply into their story.
According to Kauffman, try asking more specific questions. For example, ask about the exam they took or the friend they sat with at lunch.
Additionally, you can also ask them about things they enjoy, such as their favorite TV shows. This will help your child feel cared for and more comfortable talking.
4. Create small, meaningful habits with your children
Furthermore, mothers don’t have to do anything grand to make their children feel special. Even simple things can be meaningful if done together with care.
In this case, mothers spend quality time together. For example, mothers can invite their children into the kitchen to make breakfast together on the weekends or occasionally take time to enjoy their favorite snacks and play together.
5. Show affection in simple ways
Showing affection can be done through small, everyday gestures. Touch, like a hug or kiss, can make a child feel loved.
Moments like a hug before bed can be meaningful to a child. If your family isn’t used to showing physical affection, that’s okay.
Moms can find other ways, such as creating a special handshake with their children. This can still build closeness and make them feel special.
6. Appreciate the things your child likes
It’s important to understand that not everything a child likes has to be the same as what their parents like. However, trying to be interested in them can make them feel more cared for.
For example, listen enthusiastically when your child talks about games or things they enjoy. This can be enough to make them feel appreciated.
Not only that, mothers can also take the time to support their children’s hobbies. This will help children feel that their interests are valued by their parents.
According to Kauffman, this not only makes children feel supported and cared for, but also makes them feel significant because their parents are willing to spend time with them.
That’s an explanation of simple ways to make children feel special every day according to psychologists.
