Sometimes it’s not possible for you to be with your children every day. Perhaps you are on active duty in the military, you have to make a business trip, or maybe you are a co-parent. This is not only tough for you, it can also be incredibly hard for your children. So why not make sure they know how much you love them even when you can’t be together. Here is a list of some small gestures you can make that will make your child feel special and loved every single day, even on those days when you can’t be there.
Give them a special gift: There’s nothing like personalized gifts to make your kids feel special. How about message t-shirts telling them how special they are? These will remind them of you every time they are worn. Here are some more personalized gift ideas.
Write them a letter: This is a very special way to share how you feel with your kids because they can keep it with them and read it over whenever they are missing you. Let them know what’s going on in your life and tell them how much you love them and miss them.
Make them a video: If you have young kids, why not make a goofy video of yourself to make them laugh. For older children, you could make them a “day in my life” video so they can see where you are and the things you do each day.
Talk to them online: Although you may not be able to be in the same physical location as your kids, you can still communicate with them using Skype or FaceTime. Each offers a video platform to make audio and video calls and they’re both free. This is a great way to stay in touch and show your kids you care.
Write a journal: Keep a journal when you’re away from home and write in it every day so you can give it to them when you get back home.
Leave notes: Next time you’re getting ready to leave on your trip. Leave little notes in their room for them to find later, or if they’re coming to visit you, leave them around their room in your home. You could put them in a glove, a reading book, a lunchbox or under their pillow.
Leave messages: If you call and there’s no one home, leave a message on the answering service so that they can hear your voice when they get home, and they can play the messages as often as they like.
Give them a reminder: Give your kids something to remind them of you. Whether it’s one of your t-shirts, a photo, or your favorite toy from your childhood, it will make them feel closer to you when you’re away.
Make them a checklist: Pin them a hugs and kisses checklist on the fridge so they can get a daily dose of your love. This will also allow them to count off the days until they’ll see you again.
Give them something of yours to sleep in: Let them snuggle up at night in your PJ top or t-shirt so they will sleep soundly thinking of you.
Give them a surprise a day: Write them a note, draw them a picture or get them a card for each day that you are away. Put each surprise in a separate envelope with the day and the date written on the front. That way they have a new surprise to open every day while you’re gone.
Make them a paper chain calendar: Make a paper chain with a loop for each day so they can tear it off before bedtime to count the days until you come home.
Give them something to snuggle with at night: Get them a new soft toy or snuggle blanket so they won’t feel lonely in bed at night.
Get some stickers: Get some sheets of stickers and make a calendar with them so your kids have a special sticker each day that you are away.
Read them a story: Read them a bedtime story over the phone or on Skype or FaceTime.
No matter where you have to travel or how long you have to be away for, you can always let your kids know how much you love them every single day. This is important for them so they can grow feeling safe and secure and important for you, so you can feel close to your kids even when you can’t see them.
Eva Farrell writes about parenting. She is Mommy to a 7 year old and a 4 month old. Her articles appear on mommy and lifestyle blogs.