I was feeling reflective the other night when I wrote this post called “Holding them Tighter” after the horrific school shooting.  Sometimes it is good to refocus our attention on the urgency of loving our children.  Everyone always says the moments are fleeting, and certainly life gives us stark reminders of that truth.  As I am examining my own parenting, I realize that I am often saying, “Just a minute.” or “Just let me finish this.”  And while it’s true that moms have many responsibilities and lots of work, I find the pressure never does stop, even after that “last” task. 

So sometimes we just have to stop. 

Just stop for a few seconds.  It’s amazing how literally a few seconds make a world of difference with your kids. 

Tonight was our Christmas program at church, and on the way into our house, it was only me and my oldest left outside.  I stole a moment with him and just told him how proud of him I was tonight, and how I love who he is.  I shared that I see his heart is tender for the things God cares about, and that I am loving being his mom.  And he gave me a big hug – like a real hug – brought on by love.  (And I of course cried… I’m a soft touch for tears)  But it was literally a 30 second exchange.  And I can squeeze that in.

So, I got to thinking… What else can we, as moms, do to love them right now, in the urgency of the fleeting moments?  And I came up with this (short) list of 25 things that we can do today that will be QUICK, but have the potential to create a sacred moment with our children…. Read on, Mamas, and let’s resolve to take even just a few seconds to love our children right now.

1. Give them a gigantic – pick them off the floor- bear hug

2. Make them a treat (hot cocoa is a quick seasonal favorite)

3. Play pretend with them  (just START the game- and they’ll run with your idea)

4. Look them in the eye and tell them one specific reason you love them

5. Do a project they need your help to accomplish – like glue a toy back together *note to self* 

6. Wrestle with them (this is a great way to show physical affection to boys)

7. Put a note under their pillow (I draw pictures for my little one)

8. Play a round of a card game

9. Say a prayer of thanks for them (grab their hands and pray out loud)

10. Snuggle in and read them a book

11. Ask them their opinion on something meaningful

12. Do a chore for them

13. Set a date for a date ( we need to get better at this!)

14. Help them write a letter to someone they love

15. Color with them (maybe picture for daddy?)

16. Compliment their appearance (boys too… they don’t get it as often!)

17. Make a big fuss over something they show you

18. Play catch

19. Put their towel/pajamas in the dryer before they use them

20. Do an easy art project together

21. Have an impromptu dance party

22. Teach them a new skill (taught my kids some tae kwon do moves… ain’t that smart?)

23. Show them a funny you tube video

24. Video tape them doing something amazing

25. Give them a quarter for a kiss

Click for a Love Them Right Now printable list to hang where you’ll have a reminder! 

 There you go, grab a kid, get on the floor with them, try one of these ideas and love them right now!  ♥