For children, it is easy for every day to feel like the best day. They don’t compare each day to the ones that have passed or ones that will come someday. They take pleasure in the simple things and find enjoyment and wonder in everything around them.
While I love special occasions and planning fun activities for my kids, I sometimes have to remind myself that everything doesn’t need to be a big event to be special.
Many times it is the little things that will have the most impact and become the most cherished memories of childhood.
I would like to share with you some simple ways that you can create special memories with your child any day.
15 Simple ways to make any day special
1. Go somewhere new together
Take your children somewhere they have never been before. It doesn’t have to be somewhere super exciting. It could be a new park, store, restaurant or even a car wash. It doesn’t really matter where it is. Kids love exploring new places.
2. Dress up
Let your kids dress up. Children love to wear costumes. For young kids it’s more than just putting on a costume, it’s trying out a personality. They will only be little once. Let them believe they could be a superhero.
3. Make believe with them
Don’t just let them believe they are a superhero for the day. Join them in their imaginations. Leave reality behind and take a moment to be a child with them.
4. Have a picnic
Picnics are a great way to change up something we do so often during the day. Kids love picnics, and what’s not to love?
You get to spend time in the fresh air and you don’t have to sweep the floor after you eat.
In the winter when the weather is bad, I sometimes lay down a blanket on the living room floor and have an indoor picnic with my kids. This can be equally as fun, and add some extra excitement to those long winter days.
5. Eat dessert first
As parents, we try our best to make sure our kids grow up strong and healthy. In our house, this means we insist that the kids eat all of their dinners if they want to have dessert. Can you imagine how excited your child would be to be offered dessert first for a change?
6. Put up some decorations
An easy way to make any situation seem special to kids is to add some decorations to your home. Use special cups or plates at the dinner table. Make a sign and tape it to the front door to welcome your child home. The decorations don’t need to be fancy, anything out of the ordinary will feel special to a young child.
7. Enjoy nature
Get outside and explore nature together. You can do this by taking a nature walk, star gazing or taking a hike. Let kids enjoy the beauty of the world around them and marvel at all of the wonderful creations.
8. Dance together
Turn on some music and have a dance party with your kids. Something about dancing feels freeing. It’s great for your kids to be with you as you let loose and act silly.
9. Surprise them
Hide a special treat in their lunch box or under their pillow. When they find it no matter how small the gift is, they will know you were thinking of them and will surely feel special.
10. Get wet
Play in the rain and jump in the puddles together. No rain? No problem, turn on the sprinklers and let your kids dash through them.
11. Teach them something
There is something empowering about learning something new, and there is something magical about watching your child discover something new. Teach your child a new skill and watch their excitement when they finally master it.
12. Build a fort
Make a fort with your children. Whether it be out of blankets and chairs or sticks in the backyard. Help your child create a magical retreat they can spend time in.
13. Write them a note
Leave your child a love note for them to read.
I love to leave my children notes telling them how much I love them, and what I appreciate about them. I think the reason I love it so much is because as I watch them read the notes, I can tell they believe it. They don’t question my motives or the authenticity of the things that I am telling them.
When they read that their mother thinks they are kind and worth loving, they believe that they are. I of course genuinely think these things about my kids, but what is special is for them to believe that about themselves.
14. Let them choose
Give them the opportunity to choose something fun during the day that they don’t usually get to pick. Like what to make for dinner, what game to play together or movie to watch for family night. Letting kids make a decision like this can definitely make them feel special.
15. Be with them
Regardless of what you are doing, take the time to be with your children.
If possible make time to spend one on one time with your children. Let them choose what you will do together. Disconnect with your electronics and other responsibilities and connect instead with your children.
In the end, that is what makes a child feel the most special. In the end, what your child really wants is you.
Make any day special for your child by given them you.
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