How to love your child...

Affirming words from moms and dads are like light switches.  Speak a word of affirmation at the right moment in a child's life and it's like lighting up a whole roomful of possibilities. - Gary Smalley

Be there.  Speak kindly.  Tell them they’re wonderful.  Mean it.  Encourage silliness.  Make sure they know they are special.  Build forts with sheets and blankets.  Have a staring contest.  Go on adventures together.  Mail letters to God.  Build a time capsule.  Read books out loud with silly voices.  Better yet, act out the books.  Chase each other.  Have tickle fights.  Make “magic potions.”  Go to the movies in your pajamas.  Heal your own inner child.  Surprise them.  Have pillow fights.  Hug often.  Express your love, a lot.  Bake a cake and eat it with no hands.  Let them style your hair.  Invent games together.  Hug trees together.  Ask them about their dreams.  Share yours.  Teach feelings.  Tell jokes.  Say yes as often as possible.  Have a picnic, inside.  Make loving safe.  Keep the gleam in your eye.  Encourage individuality.  Give back together.  Have a cuddle and watch movies in bed day.  Throw popcorn at each other.  Let them see you be silly.  Learn together.  Catch fireflies.  Giggle a lot.  Leave them notes under their pillow.  Show them you care.  Frame their “art.”  Tell them you love them even if you don’t like them in the moment.  Stop yelling.  Open up.

And always make they see your eyes light up when they enter the room.

Choose love.