30 Little Things Kids Will Love

Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest impact. This is especially true for kids: hearing an extra story before bed, being allowed to pick out the family’s pizza toppings, or finding a special note in their lunch box may not be a big deal to you, but it is to your child may be important.

Children want to feel special, noticed, cared for and loved. When you go out of your way to do something extra for them, your children may take it as extra confirmation that you love and cherish them. They already know you care, but these moments just reinforce that fact while giving them plenty of reasons to smile.

Here are 30 simple things you can do to let your children know how much they mean to you.

1. Showcase their artwork.

If your child enjoys bringing home their latest art creation, make an effort to display it. For example, you could wear a macaroni necklace your child made or hang their drawing in a special place. However you choose to display your child’s art, it will give them a sense of pride and accomplishment.

2. Brainstorm ideas and come up with a family motto.

A lovely way to bond with your children is to create a family mantra. You can put a slogan on your refrigerator door and quote it when your kids are frustrated. Here are some examples: “Unstoppable!” “We can and we will!” “We have this!” Familiar family slogans can have a positive impact on their mood.

3. Spend quality time together.

If you have more than one child, go for a walk with only one of them. You can also go to places that interest them—a movie theater, an arts and crafts store, a local restaurant—for one-on-one time.

4. Write lunchbox notes.

Slip a note (and occasionally a chocolate bar) into their lunch box. You can create a sweet, inspirational note to brighten their day, or choose a funny joke or riddle.

5. Share their interests.

Whether you’re building your own Minecraft world with your kids or playing dress-up with them, showing an interest in your child’s interests can go a long way in helping them feel loved and noticed.

6. Turn “no” into “yes.”

Want to surprise your little one? Say “yes” to things that are usually off-limits, like sitting on the kitchen counter or eating dessert before dinner.

7. Become a thrill seeker.

If your kids are adventurous, you can try showing the same enthusiasm for roller coasters as they do! You can also share the excitement at playground swings, sledding hills, bike trails and more.

8. Wear matching outfits.

Give your child a bracelet or T-shirt that matches your bracelet or T-shirt. Kids can have fun matching up with you!

9. Don’t stress over the small stuff.

Does your child want a tidy room? Consider giving them a break once in a while, especially during busy times in their lives. If their room looks like a tsunami hit it, consider whether you can close the door now and let it pass.

10. Make a video call.

Take the kids on a video chat with grandma (or another favorite relative) every now and then. They can share details about their lives, just like you do during the call.

11. Get them to quit unpleasant activities.

Whether it’s playing a sport, playing an instrument, or being on the chess team, if your child is doing their best and they just don’t enjoy it, give them the option to not continue participating in the extracurricular activity if they really, really want to.

Remember that every child has different interests, and this can be a great opportunity to let them know you care about getting them involved in things they really enjoy.

12. It can get confusing sometimes.

It’s okay to get messy sometimes. Consider letting your kids step in every puddle they find, play in the mud, or paint with their hands.

13. Do something special for them.

Get out the glitter glue and create a birthday card for your child. This will especially please those who receive gifts in the language of love.

14. Adopt a pet.

If your child loves animals, consider adopting a pet that needs a home and the love of your child. If you don’t want the responsibilities of a dog or cat, consider smaller animals such as guinea pigs or fish.

15. Give them independence.

Teaching independence is crucial for young children. Give them a chance to fight on their own in the playground before you intervene; they’ll thank you later.

16. Ask them about their day – after they have had a chance to decompress.

If your child acts grumpy and tired after school, start by asking them how their day was. You can always get the full synopsis at the table.

17. Create fun rituals.

Family traditions give children something to look forward to each week, month, or season. Some fun rituals might include Taco Tuesday, Sunday bike rides, or fall apple picking.

18. Give full play to the role of students.

Many children enjoy playing the role of teacher. Let your kids teach you something they love, whether it’s cartoons, drawings, dinosaurs, or video games, then tell them what a great teacher they are and thank them for helping you learn new things.

19. Express their creativity.

Given the right environment, you can encourage your child to wear whatever they want – even a dress or footbath pajamas!

20. Praise them often.

When your children are within earshot, say something wonderful about them. You can say something like, “Olivia worked really hard on this puzzle and didn’t give up even when faced with a tough problem,” or “John has a beautiful singing voice. I love hearing him sing!” Children respond well to praise, even if it’s not direct. Said to them. Something to remember when praising your children is that it’s best to be specific and focus more on their efforts rather than the results.

21. Observe the sky.

If your child loves exploring the sky, try creating memories of looking at the moon and start them together. Summer skies are especially dramatic, be sure to check the Farmer’s Almanac for the date and time of the full moon. You will create memories that will last a lifetime!

22. Print photos for them.

Does your child love flipping through photo albums? Print some photos of friends and family so they have something tangible to look at every day. You can even create a scrapbook with stickers and other keepsakes to get really creative with your photos.

23. Always listen to them.

When your child feels upset or frustrated, let them vent. Children have every right to express their feelings—and they may feel better afterwards.

24. Make a fun breakfast.

You don’t have to wait until the holidays to whip up a delicious breakfast! On a random weekday, make some heart-shaped pancakes in the morning, or make a smiley face out of the fruit on your plate.

25. Host an impromptu dance party.

In those boring moments, put on some music and have a dance party. Bonus points if you choose their favorite song.

26. Act like a spy.

Come up with a secret family handshake and complete it when you complete a task, such as unlocking the car or starting the dishwasher.

27. Leave sweet messages in their room.

Hang a whiteboard in their room where you can write messages to each other. You can also leave funny drawings, poems or jokes on the board.

28. Start a pillow fight.

There’s a reason pillow fights still dominate kids’ sleepovers. It’s a fun way to network and compete. Once the initial shock wears off, kids often enjoy having pillow fights.

29. Become sentimental.

For young children, it is difficult to imagine that their parents are still children. Share old diaries, photos and letters from your youth, then discuss how times have changed. Your children will appreciate you sharing your childhood, especially the aspects that are relevant to them.

30. Acknowledge their contributions—even small ones.

When your kids do something around the house, thank them—even if it’s just hanging a wet towel or filling a water pitcher. They may appreciate the recognition, and it’s an effective way to teach children the importance of gratitude and recognizing what others have done for them.