30 Little Things That Mean a Lot to Kids

Reviewed by Michelle Felder, LCSW, MAReviewed by Michelle Felder, LCSW, MA

Sometimes, it's the little things that make the biggest impact. This is especially true with children: Getting an extra story at bedtime, being allowed to pick out the family's pizza toppings, or finding a special note in their lunchbox may not be a huge deal to you, but it can be to your kids.

Kids want to feel special, noticed, cared for, and loved. When you go out of your way to do something extra for them—your children are likely to see it as extra confirmation that you love and cherish them. They already know you care, but these moments simply reinforce that truth while giving them ample reason to smile.

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

1. Display their artwork.

If your child loves bringing home their latest art creation—make an effort to display it. For example, you can wear the macaroni necklaces your child makes or hang their paintings in a special place. However you choose to display your kid's artwork, it will give them a sense of pride and accomplishment.

2. Brainstorm a family mantra.

A cute way to bond with your child is to create a family mantra. You can tape a slogan to your refrigerator door and cite it whenever your child feels discouraged. Here are some examples: "Unstoppable!" "We can, we will!" "We've got this!" A familiar family slogan can have a positive impact on their mood.

3. Spend quality time together.

If you have multiple children, go for a walk with just one of them. You can also visit somewhere that interests them—the movie theater, a craft store, a local restaurant—for some one-on-one bonding.

4. Write lunch box notes.

Slip a note (and an occasional piece of chocolate) into their lunch boxes. You can craft a sweet, encouraging memo to make their day brighter or opt for a hilarious joke or riddle instead.

5. Share their interests.

Whether you build your own Minecraft world alongside theirs or play dress-up with them, showing interest in your child's interests can go a long way in helping them to feel loved and seen.

6. Turn a "no" into a "yes."

Want to surprise your little one? Say "yes" to something that's usually off-limits, like sitting on the kitchen counter or eating dessert before dinner.

7. Become a thrill seeker.

If your child loves adventure, you can try to show as much enthusiasm on rollercoaster rides as they do! You can also share thrills on playground swings, sledding hills, bicycle paths, and more.

8. Wear matching outfits.

Give your child a bracelet or T-shirt that matches one you have. Kids can get a kick out of twinning with you!

9. Don't stress the small stuff.

Is your child expected to have a tidy room? Consider cutting them some slack on occasion, especially during busy times in their life. If their room looks like a tsunami hit it, consider if this is a time when you can close the door and let it go.

10. Make video calls.

Bring kids into a video chat with Grandma (or another favorite relative) every now and then. They can share details of their lives, just like you do during the call.

Tip

Video calling such as FaceTime is one of the best ways for kids to engage with technology. Shared screen-time with family can improve their mood and communication skills. The AAP recommends no screen time for kids under 18 months old, with the exception of video calling due to how crucial it is for language development.

11. Let them quit unenjoyable activities.

Whether it's playing a sport, a musical instrument, or the chess team, if your child has tried their best and they simply aren't enjoying it, let them opt out of continuing an extracurricular activity if they really, truly want to.

Remember that every kid has different interests, and this could be a great opportunity to show them that you care about having them participate in the things that they truly enjoy.

12. Get messy sometimes.

Sometimes it's okay to get messy. Consider letting your child stomp in every puddle they find, play in the mud, or paint with their hands.

13. Make something special for them.

Get out the glitter glue and make a birthday card for your kid. This will especially please those with a love language of receiving gifts.

14. Adopt a pet.

If your child is fond of animals, consider taking in a pet that needs a home—and a child's love. If you don't want the responsibility of a dog or cat, consider a smaller animal, like a guinea pig or fish.

15. Give them independence.

Teaching independence is vital for young kids. Give them a chance to fight their own battles on the playground before you intervene; they'll thank you later.

Tip

Letting your kids make mistakes and learn from them is a great way to help them to learn independence.

16. Ask about their day—after they've had a chance to decompress.

If your child acts grumpy and tired after school, wait to ask them how their day was. You can always get the full rundown at the dinner table.

17. Establish fun rituals.

Family traditions give children something to look forward to every week, month, or season. Some fun rituals could include Taco Tuesdays, Sunday bike rides, or apple picking in fall.

18. Play the role of student.

Many children love role-playing as a teacher. Ask your kid to teach you about something they enjoy, whether it's cartoons, drawing, dinosaurs or a video game, then tell them what good instructors they are and thank them for helping you to learn something new.

19. Express their creativity.

In the appropriate setting, you can encourage your child to wear whatever they want—even if it's dress-up clothes or footie pajamas!

20. Praise them often.

When your child is in earshot, say something wonderful about them. You can say things like "Olivia worked so hard on this puzzle, and didn't give up even when it got tricky" or "John has a beautiful singing voice. I love hearing him sing!" Kids respond well to praise, even when it's not directly said to them. Something to keep in mind when praising kids is that it's best to be specific and to focus more on their effort than the outcome.

21. Watch the sky.

If your child loves to explore the sky, try to create memories looking at the moon and starts together. The sky is especially compelling during the summer, make sure to check the Farmer's Almanac for full moon dates and times. You'll create memories that last a lifetime!

22. Print photos for them.

Does your chid love looking through photo albums? Print some pictures of their friends and family so they have something physical to look at every day. You can even create a scrap book with stickers and other mementoes to really get crafty with the photos.

23. Always listen to them.

When your kid is upset or frustrated, let them vent. Kids have every right to air their feelings—and they might feel better afterwards.

24. Cook a fun breakfast.

You don't need to wait for a holiday to whip up a fancy breakfast! On a random weekday, cook some heart-shaped pancakes in the morning or make a smiley face out of fruit on their plate.

25. Have an impromptu dance party.

Crank up some music and have a dance party during an otherwise boring moment. Bonus points if you choose their favorite song.

26. Act like spies.

Come up with a secret family handshake, and complete it whenever you do a certain task (like unlock the car or start the dishwasher).

27. Leave sweet messages in their room.

Hang a whiteboard in their room where you can write messages for one another. You might also leave fun drawings, poems, or jokes on the board.

Tip

Try writing a question and answer joke, they're more interactive and super fun. For example, you can write: Why did the man get fired from his job at the coin factory? (The answer is: He stopped making cents.) If that one wasn't funny enough for your child, here's 100 more jokes you can use to brighten their day.

28. Start a pillow fight.

There's a reason pillow fights still reign supreme in kids' sleepovers. It's a playful way to bond and compete. After the initial shock wears off, kids tend to love having pillow fights.

29. Get sentimental.

It can be hard for little ones to imagine their parents as children. Share old diaries, photos, and letters from when you were young, then have a conversation about how times have changed. Your child will appreciate you sharing moments from your childhood, especially the aspects that they can relate to.

30. Recognize their contributions—even the small ones.

Thank your child when they do a chore on their own—even if it's just hanging up a wet towel or refilling a water pitcher. They'll likely appreciate the recognition, and this is also an effective way to teach kids the importance of gratitude and recognizing the things that others do for them.

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