I’ve been so busy lately that I have felt so guilty. We have been so focused on growing our tech startup business that we have spent less time with Zeeka. But even if we have spent less time with her these past few days, we make sure that we show our daughter that we love her.

Children always want to feel that they are loved by their parents. It has been extra difficult for us recently with our daughter since she has become extra clingy. I guess this is what happens when they are already old enough to say what and how they are feeling. She has become extra vocal in telling us not to work or not to go to the office.

There are a lot of ways to show your love for your child apart from the material things. The following are good ideas to consider doing to show love to your child:

Spend quality time with your child
My daughter loves going to the mall. She loves trying on clothes. This has become a thing that we enjoy together. We would visit stores and buy Mommy and Me outfits! Haha!

Quality time does not depend on the length of time that you bond with your child. It only has to be meaningful both to you as a parent and the child, where both focus on building the relationship. It means giving your full attention to your child (no checking of gadgets, etc.) What you can do is set aside that time which is only for your children — a day at the mall, a simple story time, etc. means a lot to a child more than you would know.

Be a good example

When you want them to be an obedient, generous, kind-hearted individual, then lead by example. This is the best way to teach a child about love and respect. Be kind to others and respect others. This is what they will see and this is what they will emulate.

Teach them discipline

Many children associate being disciplined as an act of “hate”. What we do as a couple is that we explain to our daughter why we get mad or why we discipline her. We explain to her that it’s because we love her and because we don’t want her to get hurt.

Be there when you are needed and Keep promises

I think that what kids really want is security. Since they are still young and unsure about a lot of things, they need to know that you will be there for them. There will be times when your child needs someone he or she could lean on so be sure to be with him or her during those times. Also, always keep your promises. These children need to see that they can trust and rely on you to keep your word.

Be sweet

Our daughter is a very sweet and caring child, and I attribute it to the fact that my husband is very caring and sweet to me. Haha! I think she always sees us hugging each other at home and putting one over the other in terms of needs, so she’s that way, too. She’ll always tell me, “Mommy, are you sad? Please don’t be sad,” when she sees me stressed out. I believe that even at a young age, a child can be very observant and critical of so many things. Show your child affection and you overtly show him or her love. Simple hugs and kisses on the cheek will mean a lot to them.

Act as your child’s protector

Sometimes, as parents, our “disciplinary” role is our automatic go-to-role. When we see another child crying beside our child, we automatically think our child did something wrong, and we “automatically” scold them without analyzing the situation. As parents, there are a lot of times when we need to be logical. We need to analyze then act accordingly. You would then see that there are a lot of times when we should have been our child’s protector even.

This happened to us. Our daughter is a meek and quiet child in front of other children. She would allow other children to take her toys and grab it away from her. We need to keep in mind that our children are weak and could not fend off for themselves. There are times when we need to tell them that they need to step up and fend for themselves. There are even times when we, as parents, need to step up, too, to act as our child’s protector especially when their security and safety is a concern.

Grant wishes

Kids wish for a lot of things and I think that sometimes, we need to grant them. Parents are so afraid that they would grow up as spoiled brats, but I believe that if you grant wishes in moderation, this will make them feel appreciated and loved. Don’t be too scared!

Compliments and praises

We never fail to give our daughter compliments and praises and we do it by being very specific about what she did well. I read somewhere that being specific makes everything clear and they would most likely do it again since they understand.

See, showing your child that you love them is not that hard. We don’t have to overthink. We just need to feel and trust that they will grow up to be Great Kids!

How do show your children that you love them? 🙂 Share a tip on Facebook and / or Instagram and tag @GreatKidsPH and @MommyGinger

Here are the mechanics:

a. A Mommy and Me set will be given to the chosen mom who shares the best tip on what they do to show their child their love on facebook and/or Instagram:)
b. Share your tip using #GreatKidsPH and #MommyGingerFinds so that we can monitor the entries
c. Contest will run from June 10 to July 1. The more posts, the more chances of winning.
d. On July 2, 9am, the winner will be announced via the Mommy Ginger Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/mommyginger/
e. The winner must be willing to claim the prize from any of the branches:

Pois Belly & Kids BOUTIQUES:
– TriNoma: Ground Floor near Activity Center
– SM Megamall: Level 5 The Atrium
– Shangri-la Plaza: Level 4 Main Bldg
– Alabang Town Center: Level 2 Expansion Bldg
– SM Mall Of Asia: Ground Floor in front of Kids Universe
– SM City Cebu: Level 2, Main Mall
– SM City Iloilo: Upper Ground Floor
– SM Lanang Premier Davao: Level 2
– Ayala Center Cebu: Level 3

f. You must be able to show a valid ID upon pick up of the prize 🙂

Post away and good luck!