"He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall into exhaustion." - Isaiah 40:29-30

Being thoughtful towards your children could easily be one of those actions we skip over. After all, we do so much for our kids! Yet, if we are honest, the things we do for our kids tend to fall into one of two camps - they asked us for it, or we want them to have it for our own self-interests.

It’s true that kids thrive on attention. So many of them are unsure of themselves as they learn about life. Everything is new and unexplored. Relationships are being developed and the skills they need to have good relationships are being learned. It’s a trial by fire for them! That’s why our attentiveness in their lives is so vital. As their parents and grandparents, we become the cheerleaders of their development. We teach them skills, but we need to also show interest in the things they are interested in.

Kids already expect us to drill them about their day. How about asking them what they want to talk about? Put the car radio on their music without them asking. Join them in an activity they are participating in. Buy them something they’ve been borrowing from someone else or you discovered they like.

Take notice of some good things they do and thank them, even if it’s something you asked. We all want our work to matter and to be noticed. This includes our children.

TRY IT: We gave you plenty of suggestions above! Go try one on the kids in your life and see how it goes!