How to make your child feel loved every day (+ a special challenge)
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Inside: Join this 10-day challenge and discover simple ways to make your child feel loved and spacial, no matter how busy life gets.
Parenting is full of moments that catch you off guard, moments that shift your perspective in ways you never expected.
For me, one of those moments happened on an ordinary winter afternoon. My youngest was still a baby, and like most babies, he loved being held. And while I cherished those precious moments with him, there were times when they made me feel stretched thin.
Across the room, my older son sat surrounded by a sea of LEGOs. He wasn’t just playing. He was waiting.
Waiting for me.
Waiting for us to have time together —like we used to.
The realization hit me hard—a wave of guilt crashing over me. How could I possibly give them both what they needed? My arms were full, my energy drained, and my heart torn.
Then my son spoke.
“Why do you think the baby always wants you to hold him?”
I glanced down at the little one, nestled in my arms. “Because he loves me,” I said slowly. “He wants to be close.”
My son shook his head. “That’s not it.”
I raised an eyebrow. “It’s not?”
He smiled slightly and looked at his baby brother. “It’s because he wants to feel that YOU love him. That’s what babies want.”
Oof. Right in the chest.
I sat there, stunned, letting his words sink in.
“What about you?” I finally asked. “What do big kids want?”
He didn’t even hesitate.
“The same thing. When you love me, my heart feels infinity happy.”
And just like that, my heart split wide open.
I’ve always loved my kids — fiercely, unconditionally, with everything I have.
But in that moment, I realized —it’s not enough to love them. They have to feel that love, in a way that fills their hearts.
That conversation changed me. Since that day, I’ve started paying closer attention to the little things. Because the truth is, love isn’t just something we say— it’s something we show.
And showing love doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s as simple as:
- A hug that lingers just a little longer.
- A whispered, “I’m so proud of you.”
- Sitting down to build LEGOs for five minutes.
- A smile that says, “I’m here, and I see you.”
These are the moments that fill their hearts. The ones they carry with them.
Because when our kids feel loved—truly, deeply loved—their hearts are infinity happy.
And honestly? So is mine.
The 10-day challenge
What if just 10 minutes a day could make your child feel truly loved?
That conversation with my son reminded me how much the little things matter — those tiny, everyday moments of connection that tell our kids just how special they are.
So, I created this 10-day challenge to help you bring more of those moments into your family.
Here is how it works:
Each day, for the next 10 days, take a few minutes to do one simple thing that shows your child how much they mean to you. It doesn’t have to be big or complicated—what matters most is the intention behind it.
10 simple ways to make your kids feel loved
To help you get started, here’s a list of ideas. Pick one each day, or come up with your own. What matters is making the effort, even on the busiest days.
⭐ Send a secret message
Use a white crayon to write “I love you” or a silly joke on a piece of paper. Hand them watercolor paints and let them “reveal” your hidden message.
⭐ Create a silly handshake
Spend five minutes inventing a goofy, just-between-you handshake. Use it throughout the day as a fun, unexpected reminder of how special they are to you.
⭐ Surprise them with a tiny picnic
Lay out a small blanket in an unexpected spot (even the living room floor!) and share a snack with them. Call it a “mini adventure.”
⭐ Draw a quick comic strip about them
Make a three-panel drawing of something funny or sweet they did recently, starring them as the hero. Share it with them, and watch their face light up.
⭐ Have a 5-minute dance battle
Crank up their favorite song and challenge them to a silly dance-off. Let them be the judge and declare the winner (spoiler: it’s always them).
⭐ Decorate their bathroom mirror
Use dry-erase markers to write a fun message like, “You’re amazing! Smile big today!” or draw a funny face they’ll see when they brush their teeth.
⭐ Create a “treasure map”
Draw a quick map with clues leading to a tiny treat or note hidden somewhere in the house.
⭐ Add a twist to bedtime
Before turning out the lights, ask them a fun or thoughtful question to spark their imagination or reflection. For example:
- “If you could have a pet dragon or a pet unicorn, which one would you pick and why?”
- “What’s one thing that made you smile today?”
This simple bedtime ritual creates a sweet, one-on-one connection and ends the day with love and laughter.
⭐ Share a memory from when they were little
Pick a story about when they were small — something funny, sweet, or heartwarming — and tell it to them. Highlight how much joy they brought you in that moment and how much they’ve always meant to you.
⭐ Create a jar of little love notes
Write 12 love notes for your child, each sharing something you love about them.
Mention the little things they do that make you smile, the way they light up when talking about their favorite things, or how much you enjoy spending time with them. Fold the notes and place them in a jar labeled “Why I Love You.”
As the 10 days come to an end, take a moment to notice the little shifts.
Maybe it’s a bigger smile, an extra hug, or a feeling of connection you hadn’t realized you were missing. Or maybe it’s just knowing that — even in the middle of the chaos — you made time to let your child feel truly loved.
And if you didn’t do all 10 days? That’s okay.
The beauty of this challenge isn’t about checking every box — it’s about those small moments when you showed up with love. Because those moments, no matter how tiny they seem, mean everything to your kids.
So keep going. Keep finding those little ways to remind your kids they’re loved.
Because it’s in the little things, done with intention, that the biggest memories are made.
Bonus:
If you loved this challenge and want even more easy, creative ways to connect with your kids, you’ll love the Playful Moments Together guide.
It’s packed with simple activities to make the most of everyday moments — without stress or overwhelm. You can check it out here.
photos from depositphotos.com