It had been a long day and I was zoning out on the couch playing some random game on my iPad. I was tired and all I wanted to do was curl up and have some alone time. As I settled in for the evening, my son entered the room with some very important news regarding why the Oilers needed a new coach or something along those lines. I half listened to his very convincing arguments when the room was suddenly silent. I lifted my eyes from the iPad and saw his disappointment. He knew I was checked out and in exasperation asked if I was even listening to him and why I couldn’t look him in the eyes when he was talking to me. He was right…I was checked out and he deserved better than that. I apologized for my actions and realized that my attention to what he had to share really mattered. It wasn’t about the Oilers, it was about him wanting to spend time with me where I was really present.
Have you ever been there? I think most of us have.
The time we share with our kids matters and they don’t want to be just heard, they want to be seen. Here are some practical ways where you can show up for your kids throughout the day. Your intentional presence in their lives is essential.
1. Start off your child’s day with words of encouragement.
Let them know that you will be praying for them. Tell them what giftings you see in them and more importantly, who God says they are.
2. Connect regularly by scheduling time to eat together.
Some of the best conversations with kids happens around the dinner table. Ask about their day. Come ready with an interesting question to kickstart the table chat. Kids want to know that what they have to say is important to you.
3. At bedtime, talk about their day and help them to see God at work through their circumstances.
Pray with them and for them. Read a bible story or devotional together and discuss what they learned.
4. Strengthen your relationship by adjusting your plans to show up when they really need you.
Move a meeting so that you can attend their soccer game. When they know that they are the priority, they feel loved and seen.
About the Author: stephanie holmberg
Stephanie is a wife, mother, pastor, and friend who is passionate about seeing people live authentic, purpose-filled lives. When not working alongside her amazing kidmin team, you will find her at home spending time with her family, snuggling her furry friend Milo, or out exploring all the amazing places Edmonton has to offer.