On Loving A Child

Sometimes my days are so busy and rushed.

I fail to remember how thrilled I was when the LORD fulfilled a wish

and

fervent prayer of mine, one I had petitioned for many, many years.

I promised myself when I brought our little blue bundle

home from the hospital, that he would never be

“the interruption” in my life,

but that raising him in the LORD would be my priority.

Here are some of my tips for keeping my promise to myself always at the forefront of my mind:

***Touch your children as often as possible.***

This is especially important when you also must be busy working at home

in some way–perhaps on the computer or on the phone. When he approaches to talk,

draw him in your arms and look deeply into his eyes as he speaks.

A little stroking of the hair or a snuggle on your lap as you type helps a child feel likeyou’re engaged with him/her while you interact.

Teach him how to do something unusual, like sewing.

Make it a big deal, talk about it for a week before you actually do it.

Be extra gentle and kind while you are instructing.

Always smile at your children when they approach you.

Have a special word or nickname for him/her that only you use,

and whisper the nickname in the child’s ear when you hug him/her.

For a few years, our son’s nickname was “Kimba”

He loved an old show called KIMBA the White Lion, and he identified with the main character, so he wanted that to be his nickname.

While they are very young, the nicknames will change from time to time, but for some time, children will light up and smile when using the pet names for them.

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Time is fleeting, and these days with our young children will soon be gone. Take some time to reflect on how you will demonstrate the love you feel for them. The rewards will benefit beyond your expectations.