Some days it can be challenging enough to like our teenagers let alone cherish them.

 

Sure, we love them like crazy, but liking them all the time, well…let’s just say it’s like picking grapefruit – you don’t always know if you’ll get sour or sweet (or a little bit of both)!

But trust me, our time is so short. When they’re gone, we’ll miss them terribly.

 

Do you delight in their presence and see their special spark?

 

Make sure your teenager knows how much you cherish them.

 

Having two kids already out of the nest; I reflect on all the times I pulled my hair out.

And now I wonder where did the time go? It wasn’t that bad. Why did I over-react? It all seems so insignificant now.

 

With one still at home I understand my energy is best spent on cherishing her with the time I have left while she’s home. (And, by the way, it’s never too late to appreciate our kids and one another no matter how old we get).  

 

 

Here are 10 Ways To Show Your Teen You Cherish Them Everyday.

 

Spend time with them.

Commit to one on one time. Write it on your calendar. Do something they enjoy. No agenda. No lectures or corrections. Let them talk or not. Just be.

 

Delight in them.

Next time they walk into the room, stop what you’re doing.

Smile and greet them with enthusiasm. Enjoy their presence. When their surly remember they’re still maturing.

 

Allow them to give you a fresh perspective.

When our teens know they won’t be judged, they get excited and feel the freedom to share their thoughts with us. Be open and curious to learn more about who they are. Understand they’re still figuring it out. Ask open-ended questions – “Tell me more” and “What do you think?”.

 

See them as the gift they are.

I believe our kids are hand-picked and a divine gift to teach us more than we will ever teach them. We can be grateful for the unique stretching that they inspire in us. They will work magic in transforming and shaping us into better human beings.

 

Focus on ALL the good.

When I catch myself focusing on the negative in one of my kids, I switch my focus to ALL their beautiful qualities. I name out loud what appreciate about them. I beam them love, gratitude, positive thoughts, prayers and blessings.

 

Believe in their infinite potential.

Each of our kids is loaded with tremendous potential. What they often need the most is for us to believe in them.

 

Their potential may be hiding out somewhere like a buried treasure. It may take patience and a little digging to find it, but the more we reflect to them our belief in their capabilities, worth and value, the more they will shine.

 

Appeal to their heart.

Our kids need to hear how much they matter to us, “I’m happy to see you. I care about you. I was thinking about you today. I love and miss you.” Catch them doing something right and tell them how much you appreciate it. Find specific ways to affirm them.

 

Be their biggest fan.

Show up. Find positive ways to connect. Celebrate them. Encourage and cheer them on, “I believe in you. You can do it!” Have fun. Laugh and play. Find activities that they love and join them.

 

My kids love to go through picture albums and watch old videos. I tell stories and reflect with pride on how precious they are.

 

Listen more than anything else you do.

Stop whatever you’re doing. Put down the phone. Close the computer. Listen without interrupting. The priceless response, believe it or not, is a grunt, a “Hmm”, “Really?”, and a “Tell me more.”

 

 

Show them random acts of kindness.

Text them and tell them one reason you’re grateful for them. Post a note with a positive affirmation in their room or lunch, here are some great affirmations to share. Send them a positive text before they have a test, performance or game. Let them know you believe in them. Cook their favorite meal. Surprise them with their favorite candy bar. Give them a hug or back rub. Find what speaks love to them.

 

Our time is now. Let’s seize the precious time and make wonderful memories. Let’s agree to let the small stuff go and focus on what really matters – letting them know how precious they are and how grateful we are that they are our kids.