There’s this great blog post by Rachel M. Martin doing the rounds these days. She talks about 20 things she will never regret doing with her kids.
So we asked you, our readers, about what things you won’t regret doing with your kids and you certainly had some heart-warming things to say.
Do look out for some of the lovely things you said captured within the beautiful images in this story!
Meanwhile, here are some of most poignant and sweet items on things you won’t regret doing with your kids on Rachel Martin’s list.
1. Tucking them into bed at night
Image source: iStock
“Someday, they’ll be too big and I won’t get that moment back. Saying goodnight, pulling up the covers and kissing their heads is a gift.”
Bedtime with the kids certainly is a gift. For me, it’s that time of the day when they’re all soft and sweet-smelling after a bath and all they want to do is cuddle up to me and listen to their bedtime story.
The next part of their bed-time ritual involves me singing their favourite ‘sleepy song’ and big good-night hugs and kisses. Special moments indeed!
2. Telling them I love them
“Start this when they’re young. “I love you” is a powerful three-word phrase that matters.”
‘I love you’ is something you can tell your babies a million times in a day and it still won’t be enough! The best thing ever is when you hear them say it right back to you.
3. Listening to their stories
Image source: Shutterstock
“Their stories teach me about them and their hearts and what they love. I think of their stories as a way to learn more about them. And this is the real listening, not the distracted mom who wants to move onto the next thing on her never-ending to-do list.”
Kids’ stories are the best in the world. Their imagination is magical and their minds are so pure and innocent – this is reflected in their stories. Listening to their tales is a good way of finding out about their day and building a great bond with them.
You’ll probably appreciate this bond the most when they’re teenagers and still feel comfortable enough to tell you about what’s going on in their lives.
4. Showing them new things.
“…do science. Look at the stars. Go to the museum. Let them learn and see the world.”
Showing them new things needn’t involve an expensive trip to another country. It can be as ‘big’ as spending the day with them at the museum or Science Centre.
And it can be as ‘small’ as showing them a cocoon and explaining that inside, is a butterfly waiting to be born. Either way, you’re sure to see stars in their eyes!
5. Making them learn the value of work
Image source: iStock
“I want my kids to know that work matters and that a good work ethic — where you go above and beyond and don’t complain — is an excellent skill.”
Do try and get your kids involved in some daily chores. In Singapore where most of us have helpers, it’s really easy to let them do all the cleaning up while the kids do nothing.
I’m not talking about heavy-duty cleaning – but children can certainly help with things like tidying up their toys and books after they finish playing. This teaches them valuable life-skills.
6. Teaching them to be respectful of others
“I want my kids to respect others. To listen to them, to learn and to not judge. This starts with me teaching them this skill and me being respectful of them. Often, it is looking for the good first and giving grace.”
It’s so important to teach our kids to respect everyone, regardless of race, gender, social status or other factors. When they learn this, the world will be a better place for sure.
Some of the things Rachel Martin mentions are just little things. But as parents caught up in our busy lives, we sometimes overlook our kids’ tiny, but oh-so-cute moments.
Kids grow up way too fast so let’s take a minute to stop and enjoy these precious moments they gift us.
What do you not regret doing with or teaching your kid/kids? Leave a comment and share your precious moments with us!