Your preschooler needs your time, love, and attention.
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.
Check out these ideas for things you can do to make your little one feel special.
{ Guest Post by Holly }
Everyday Practices to Make Your Child 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 some of these ordinary activities.
Integrate these practices into your regular routines:
1. Be enthusiastic
Listen attentively when your child 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.
It’s hard to be enthusiastic about Elsa and Anna day after day. But if that’s what your daughter is interested in, try to feign enthusiasm.
2. Demonstrate affection
Give your child hugs and kisses on a regular basis.
Physical contact helps you bond with your children and may even enhance their brain development.
Scientists have done MRI scans on children while their parents kiss their heads. It shows lots of activity in the brain and similar activity in the parent’s brain.
3. Offer praise
Let your preschooler 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 ride their bike.
Applaud them for writing their name or helping a friend pick up toys.
4. Ask for help
Enlist your child’s cooperation by asking for their help with something around the house.
Tell them that you appreciate the part they play in keeping the household running smoothly.
Thank them for showing you how to play their new game on their tablet or demonstrating how to draw a snowman.
5. Go for a drive
Make your errands more meaningful. Invite your child to come along. You don’t always have to leave your little one with their dad or a babysitter.
Even if it takes you a little longer to get through the grocery store, they’ll enjoy coming with you and picking out what they want.
6. Encourage hobbies
Try to limit your preschooler’s screen time so they can try hobbies that are more fulfilling.
Sign your little one up for dance class or karate.
Ask them if they’d like to play soccer or t-ball.
Or maybe try art classes for kids.
7. Do chores together
Taking responsibility builds your child’s confidence.
Put them in charge of setting the dinner table or walking the dog.
Make sure the chore is easily accessible for your preschooler to do by herself or easy to help you with.
If her job is to feed kitty, keep the food bag where she can reach it and teach her to pour without spilling.
Have your preschooler help you load the dishwasher, but do the sharp utensils yourself.
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.
Get a personalized book with their name and photo in it to make them feel extra special.
Make up stories based on your real-life experiences.
9. Enjoy family dinners
Mealtime is another chance to spend some uninterrupted time together.
Your children will strengthen their conversation skills and probably eat healthier.
Preschoolers love to add to the conversation now that they have the hang of it.
Celebratory Gestures to Make Your Child Feel Special
Of course, there’s also room for thoughtful surprises and occasional treats. You can brighten up your child’s day without having to spend a lot of money.
Try these ideas:
10. 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.
Have your preschooler help you write a letter to their grandparents or their friends.
You can even start a pen pal relationship with someone who lives far away.
11. 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.
Helping animals is usually a good bet for preschoolers. Look into your local animal shelter to see if they need supplies or donations.
12. 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.
Drive to the next town over to visit the local sights.
13. Dine out
Restaurants provide a fun place for brushing up on etiquette.
You may want to start with casual spots where your child will feel welcome as they practice ordering off the menu and using their indoor voice.
14. Celebrate holidays
Create family traditions for Christmas and Halloween.
Even simple practices like baking a favorite dessert can become powerful over the years.
Make crafts together to celebrate holidays. Here are some Halloween crafts. And here are some snow crafts.
How do you make your preschooler feel special?
Let me know in the comments below!
Making your children feel loved and respected 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.
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