by Lois Breneman, © 2009, Heart to Heart
Sometimes we get way too busy and the little ones in our life may get overlooked, and not feel as loved as they should. Parents, grandparents, big sisters and brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, teachers, friends, and babysitters can bless, encourage and influence little ones in these ways! Some of these ideas can even be used to encourage teens and spouses!
Pray aloud for your little ones in their presence, thanking the Lord for their good qualities as you name them.If you offend a little one, tell him you're sorry and ask for his forgiveness. Then thank him for forgiving all the mistakes you make.
When your little one does well, praise him, saying something like, "What a remarkable job!" or "Fantastic job!"
Bless your little one by placing your hand on her head and praying for her aloud, mentioning her name and thanking God for such a wonderful child He had placed in your life. End the blessing by kissing her on the head.
When your little one asks you endless questions, say, "You ask the best questions! Being curious means you are smart and I'm so glad you're not afraid to ask! That's how you learn!"
When your child makes a wise choice, praise her with a comment like, "That's really using your brain to its fullest!" or "What a wise choice you made just now!" Then voice to her what her wise choice was.
Leave a note for your little one on the bathroom mirror such as, "Good morning, Daniel! What a nice smile you have!"
Every time your child tells someone about Jesus, tell him, "Oh my goodness! What beautiful feet you have!" Then tell him what Isaiah 52:7 says. "How beautiful are the feet of them who bring good news!"
Write your little one's cute quotes and words of wisdom in a special book, and read them aloud in the car on family trips.
As you're tucking your little one into bed, pretend your "mailing" her in a package to Grandma, folding, stuffing, sealing and stamping her into bed for special delivery, saying, "You know how Grandma would love opening her mailbox and seeing you!"
Sometime when you see your little one, say, "How did I get such a great kid? What a special gift God gave to me!"
Tell your little one that she must be your reward for eating all your broccoli and green beans when you were a child!
Record your little one's laughter, then play it back and tell him, "Your laughter is such beautiful music to my ears!"
Make a "Kid Sandwich" with two people and the little one in between. Then squeeze out all the pickles and mayonnaise!
Color in a coloring book with your little one and let him ask questions and just talk while you listen.
Hug your little one and tell her, "I can't imagine my life without you in it!"
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