“Before Your Kids Eyes” : 6 Things Your Kids Need to See You Do Daily

Children learn in every possible way. From the smallest of ages, they are soaking up information from those they love. (Don’t believe me? Take 61 seconds and watch this video from a recent college basketball game.)

As they grow, they learn to read, and they take in information from the media, from books, and from peers. But kids will continue to take in information from their parents. Kids really get their worldview from how mom and dad act daily.

Knowing that, I challenge every mom and dad to think about what your kids are seeing from you toward each other. I’m not asking you to be hypocritical, but you know that the eyes of your children are gathering information all the time. What are they seeing?

Every day, make sure they see these six things.

1. Speak Well of Each Other. Your kids need to know that mommy and daddy, though they may disagree at times, still hold one another in high esteem. Your kids should never hear you “run down” your spouse, but should hear regular and strong affirmations of their mom and dad. Sincere compliments and words of encouragement don’t just build up your spouse, they provide strength for the children.

2. Be (Appropriately) Romantic. No child wants to see mom and dad “all over” one another, but kids feel secure when they know that their parents are really in love. Your kids need to see you hug. They need to see you stare into one another’s eyes. Yes, they need to see a goodbye smooch! (Don’t take it too far, and you know what “too far” is.) Your children, especially as they grow older, may act like it’s gross, but inside they actually are thankful that their parents really love one another.

3. Say “I Love You.” This may seem repetitive, but it helps a child see that mom and dad are not just about the romance, but the actions (hugs, kisses, etc.) are based upon something deeper. I believe your kids need to hear mom and dad say these words a lot. In a world that doesn’t know what love really is, your kids can be assured that mom and dad understand.

4. Talk Up Christ and His Church. Too many parents spend mealtime talking down everyone and everything, and that includes their brothers and sisters in Christ. Why, then, would we be surprised when our children don’t want to go to church any longer? Instead, find something good every day to say about a fellow Christian or about a program at church.

5. Pray. There may be no more beautiful picture than a family with their heads all bowed as their thoughts are going before the throne of God. This does not just need to be a dad OR mom thing, however. Your kids need to see both of you praying to the heavenly Father. It will instill in them the knowledge that you really believe in God and fully trust Him with your life.

6. Serve One Another. Find something every day that shows how to serve. Maybe dad helps with the dishes tonight, or maybe mom gives the kids their bath. It could be that dad just takes the kids out of the house for a couple of hours or that mom cooks daddy’s favorite supper. Your kids need to see this service. Talk it up, not to your own glory, but so they grasp the significance of serving others.

What you do toward your spouse makes a world of difference to your children. How are your kids seeing you interact with your spouse?

QUESTION: What would you add? What are some other things your kids need to see from mom and dad every day? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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Photo background credit: Shelah on Creative Commons

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