In This Crazy World We Need To Cherish Our Kids Now More Than Ever

My son was placed in my arms, squealing and face scrunched. He seemed too small yet too big.

Now my tiny baby is a smart, goofy Lego-loving boy about to head to school.

He’s a kid.

How did it happen so fast?

Sometimes I wish I could make time just stop for a second so I can stare at my kid's faces without the seconds ticking by.

I turn on the TV and see the news, and lately, it’s been scary. But that’s helped me reaffirm one thing.

The best thing we can do, and it's something the pandemic has taught, is to be with our family. How truly important that is.

And cherish our kids. Here are a few ways how.

Show Affection

History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children. — Nelson Mandela

Kiss your child’s chubby cheeks, hug their tiny bodies and tell them how you love them.

I like to ask my son, “Was that enough kisses?”

“Ugh, yes,” he answers with a smile, waiting for what comes next.

“Never!” I yell. I kiss/tickle and hug him plenty more. I breathe in his giggles and try to memorize the smell of his baby shampoo and the touch of his smooth skin.

One day he won’t want as many kisses. I will steal them now and hold on forever.

Look at Your Child When They Talk

Children will listen to you after they feel listened to. — Jane Nelsen

I can hear my mom’s (okay, and my) voice in this sentence.

But this honestly works.

There are times when I am trying to cook dinner, hush my hungry barking puppy, please my whining baby and cook. I feel like want to explode.

Naturally, this is the best time for kids to tell stories.

But if I can manage to pause, turn down the stove and listen to my daughter or son, I find myself calming. My forming explosion turns…