Search
Close this search box.

Share what kind of mom you are!

Get to know other mom types!

5 Ways to Love Your Kids the Way They Are

A friend of mine and her husband are super athletic and outgoing. He was a high school football star and can make anyone laugh; she’s a marathoner and a big-time extrovert. Their son is none of the above. He’s a great boy—a wonderful student, nice personality, and very kind, but he’s not his parents. Thank goodness they know you have to love your kids for who they are.

If you have a child whose natural talents and interests are worlds apart from yours, how do you connect and appreciate him for who he is? Here are 5 ways to make your kids feel loved.

1. Listen more.

If your child is an artist and you don’t have an artsy bone in your body, this may be your chance to grow and broaden your horizons. Ask her to explain how she went about a recent drawing or painting, or ask what inspired the subject. And then really listen. Through listening, you’ll begin to understand what makes her tick and how to appreciate her gift. Need help to be a better listener? Here’s how to listen to your kids.

2. Meet in the middle.

If your kid is a year-round jock but you’ve never played a sport, find a middle ground like sports fandom. Even if you’re not the parent who’ll be in the back yard for hours throwing the ball, you can pop some popcorn and watch a game together over the weekend, talking about the action. It will demonstrate to your kid that even though sports aren’t your natural gift, you value him and “get it.”

3. Don’t confuse preference with character.

If your husband was the star quarterback but your son doesn’t want to play football, don’t accuse him of being a quitter. Sure, you don’t want him to drop a commitment mid-season or let his team down, but it’s not a lack of character to want to try something else. The traits you want to instill are hard work and perseverance, which he can also learn in the school play or on the debate team.

4. Go for variety early.

Let your children participate in various activities without bias when they are young. Then observe where they feel most at home and most motivated and where they have natural ability. If you put them in boxes too early, they may miss out on pursuits that would have been meaningful and formative.

5. Remember that it takes all kinds.

If we were all alike, how boring would that be? Maybe you’re introverted, and your kid is Mr. Personality. Maybe you love the outdoors, and your child would rather be at home with a good book. Remember, it takes all kinds of people to make the world go ‘round. Having separate interests is OK—it doesn’t mean you love your kids any less or vice versa! Try these 38 Things Accepting Moms Say today.

How do you let your kids know you accept them the way they are?

ASK YOUR CHILD...

What do you think I love the most about you?

Get daily motherhood

ideas, insight, &inspiration

to your inbox!

Search