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Raising children in today's world sometimes seems like a daunting task. Our kids are exposed to high velocity stimulation all day long, from just about the very minute they are born. Bringing kids back down to earth takes effort and patience. Sometimes many parents don't have much left at the end of a long day. Let's not forget that we have a duty to teach our children about themselves, the world around them, and how to be kind, caring, and respectful people. Parents should take this duty seriously.

Our children desperately need us just to love them. This is their daily positive reinforcement, their brick wall, and their constant. Mom and Dad's love is what sustains a child when they scrape a knee on the playground or when their friends ignore them. The connection we make with our children as providers of love and comfort is the cement of their self worth. It's as simple as knowing a parent will always treasure and support them. Unconditional love is a guarantee to a child that no matter how bad their day was, it will get better when they get home. And just maybe, Mom and Dad might even make them feel better enough to try again the next day.

Showing our kids we love them is important. We do this every day when we make lunches, pick out clothes for school, and brush knots out of their hair. Kids know their parents love them when Dad joins a football game in the front yard. Or when Mom brings lunch out to the backyard fort, well before anyone announces his or her hunger. Stick that "love" note in their lunch box when you're packing lunch and your kids will know you are thinking about them during the day. These displays of affection let the child know you care but it also models demonstrative behavior that your children readily learn from watching you. These are the roots of kindness that we teach our children every day.

Telling our kids we love them is just as important as showing them. Healthy, happy kids should readily be able to express their emotions. If we as parents just rattle off, "I love you" automatically, is it really enough? Qualify it. Why do you love your child? Is it because he/she is yours? Then say so. Is it because you are proud of how they played soccer? Tell them. One of the best things a kid learns is that Mom and Dad have feelings too. And when Mom and Dad can verbally share those feelings spontaneously, it's a great gift to share with your child. You are letting them know it's okay to care and okay to say that you do!

It's our job as parents to ground our children in reality. It's our duty to make them see that family life and the sharing of this life is the most important aspect of their lives. Family time should be comforting and allow kids to share in the running of the household. It shouldn't be spent in separate rooms with blaring TVs and computers. Find the time to be together. Quite possibly, you'll soon discover that it's the very richest part of your day.

Learn more about this author, S. F. Heron.
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