We have a not-so-original Thanksgiving tradition in my family. After eating, we go around the table and say what we’re thankful for. Continuing with the lack of creativity, nearly everyone says some version of “I’m thankful for our family.”
But to ensure that my kids feel loved, I’m trying to express gratitude for who they are and what they bring to our family in ways I think will resonate with them. Need help thinking about how to show gratitude for being a mom to a child like yours? Here are 25 ways to show love and thankfulness to your kids.
For Kids Who Love Gifts
1. Make a spontaneous stop at the gas station or drug store and let him grab the sports drink or soda he’s been begging for. You’ll earn big points and show him you care about the little things that mean something to him.
2. Give her something you treasure—a piece of jewelry, a photo, a memento from high school—and tell her you’re glad to pass it on to someone like her.
3. Head to your local bookstore or library to pick out a book for your child on a topic he’s shown interest in. He’ll love knowing you listen when he recites facts about baseball, helicopters, or snakes.
4. Sneak a piece of her favorite candy into her backpack with a note that says, “You’re the sweetest part of my day! Thanks for being you!”
5. Buy him a gift that reflects his personality—a subscription to a nature magazine, a wacky case for his iPad, or a set of colored pencils. Tell him you can’t wait to see where his interests lead him.
For Kids Who Love Hugs, Kisses, and High Fives
6. Create a good night cuddle routine. My son and I had one: Eskimo kiss, wink, high five, hug. Repeat three times (or more).
7. When you say thank you for something small like clearing the table or holding the door, add a gentle squeeze on the arm and a wink.
8. Invite her to scooch in with you on the loveseat during your next movie night. Put a soft blanket over you both, give her a gentle kiss on the head, and say, “It’s cozy next to you.”
9. Never be the first to let go in a hug.
Now that you know how to show gratitude for being a mom to a child who loves physical affection, read about why it’s important.
For Kids Who Crave Time With You
10. Sign him out of school for lunch. When he asks what’s up, tell him you wanted to show him you appreciate how hard he works. Then don’t talk about school anymore unless he brings it up.
11. Start a new tradition like a weekly family board game or a lap around the block. Don’t assume your kids know you’re thankful for simple moments with them. Say it out loud.
12. Invite him to run errands with you and let him help get the tasks done, like checking items off the grocery list or picking out which shower curtain he likes for his bathroom. When you pull into the driveway, say, “I couldn’t have done it without you!”
13. Instead of standing at the counter and eating while you work through your to-do list, eat lunch at the dining room table with them one day this weekend. You’ll show your kids they’re worth your attention.
14. Lay next to her at bedtime and scroll through photos of her as a newborn. Tell her how she’s changed your life for the better.
Have you heard of wants-nothing quality time? If you’re looking for how to show gratitude for being a mom to a child who craves your attention, it’s a game-changer.
For Kids Who Like to Hear Your Praises
15. In your best get-in-here voice, call your child from the other room. When she walks in, look her in the eye and say, “I love you, and I love being your mom. That’s all!” She might roll her eyes, but she’ll exit the room knowing you’re thankful for her.
16. Write a note that praises a specific accomplishment or trait, like “I’m thankful to be a mom to a son who’s so polite to other adults.”
17. Send a text with a simple message: “I’m so glad you’re my kid.” Try sending it when you’re in the same room and add a cheesy wink when she looks over at you.
18. Tell him you’re proud of the person he’s becoming.
19. Take her out for ice cream or coffee. Point out something specific she did that you appreciated, like sticking up for her younger sister in front of her friends or putting gas in the car after borrowing it.
20. When your little comedian cracks you up, say, “Thank you! Your jokes always make me feel a little lighter. I needed that!”
For Kids Who Love TLC
21. If you have an athlete in the family, wash and pack her gear for her, and slip a note in her bag. Imagine your daughter finding a message that says “I love being your mom!” tucked in with her softball glove and fresh-smelling jersey. Use our lunchbox notes! They are for more than just lunches!
22. When you see him struggling with a homework assignment, step in and offer to help him talk through it. Be sure to remind him of ways he’s tackled tough assignments before and how you admire his diligence.
23. Listen without interrupting. Letting your child speak without feeling rushed or judged is a great way to show gratitude for who he is.
24. Do her least favorite chore for her. When she realizes you’ve done it, say, “I just wanted to help you out.”
25. If you have a kiddo who loves his stuffed animals, clean them up, and repair any open seams or barely-hanging-on eyeballs. Tell him they’re lucky to have him as a friend.
How do you like to show your kids you’re thankful to be their mom?
