10 Ways to Show Your Kids You Love Them

1. Unconditionally

   Your son’s room is a complete mess. Your daughter just got her 3^rd speeding ticket and she is still 16. One brought home a poor grade in science. One snuck out of the house and didn’t get home until 2 am. Safe to say, all these things are going to make for interesting parenting. Through it all, never let your child feel as if your love for them has limits. These are the moments you let it shine the brightest. Unconditional love is the greatest gift in life.

2. Tick-Tock

   Time slips away so fast doesn’t it? One minute you are teaching your daughter to ride a bike. The next minute she’s backing down the driveway in your car. Were you there enough for all the time in between? Your child wants your attention more than any other thing you can provide them. Make it a top priority to spend as much time with your children as you can.

3. Tough Love

   Don’t shy away from the crucial moments. The hard times. The big decisions. This is when your love is tested the most. A parent has to do the right thing. The responsible thing. Not the popular thing. The love you show now will be reflected back when they are adults. You’ll be rocking your grandchild in your arms one day and your son will tap you on the shoulder and simply say “thank you Dad.”

4. Really Know Them

   We all have ideas of what we would like our kids to be. Chances are those ideas do not match reality of who they really are. Find out what makes your kids tick. What stirs their passions. Help them develop those traits. Our children’s biggest fear is disappointing us. Make sure they know that could never happen.

5. The Language of Love

   Sweetie Pie. Sport. Honey Bun. Champ. Pet names declare love. They let a child know they are special to you. So does the more direct version of just saying three words. I love you. Say it loud and say it proud. A lot

6. Affection

   Hard to believe, but some men have a real hard time with this one. Some Dad’s just aren’t prone to hugging and kissing. We are raised to be tough and strong. That’s a good thing. However, your child needs your affection in the most vital of ways. If you don’t hug your daughter everyday, chances are somebody else will. If you abandon affection from your relationship with your son, he will do the same himself one day. It’s a good bet that you could use a big ol’ hug yourself. So knock down those walls and extend those big arms. You’ll be addicted in no time.

7. Special Occasions

   Always celebrate the big moments in their lives. Birthdays. Recitals. First day of school. Graduation. Everything. Make a big deal out of each and every one. These are the days they feel special. The moments that honor life. Who do they want to notice more than anybody else? Dad.

8. Professor Dad

   They watch every single move you make. They are learning from you no matter what you are doing. Even if they are learning that men can snore really loud when they nap on a couch. Teach them everything you know. How to fix a flat tire. How to ride a bike. How to drive. How to hit a baseball. How to go on a date and behave like a gentleman. Everything.

9. Believe In Them

   This is a hard one. We want to shelter them. Protect them from any and all harm at all times. However this will not do any good in the real world. They have to learn to stand on their own two feet. Teach them well. Give them the skills and values that are required for success. Then let them fly. Trust them. Believe in your child. It will mean the world to them.

10. Spirituality

    We all have the same Father. Our most important duty as a parent is to make sure our children know their Creator. Give them the foundation that God intends for them to have. His is the greatest love we will ever know.

Connect with All Pro Dad
President, Mark Merrill on