Just a while ago, Darren came beside me and surprised me with ”Mommy, you are the  best.” I asked him why he said so and he replied, “Because you love me.” Then he continued”, “You love me and you help me and kiss me.”

So, what little Darren values most is mommy’s love. It is obvious that he values the warm hugs and kisses that I have showered him.

Brendan heard and joined in the conversation. “Mommy, you love me. I love you too because you are there for me when I have difficulties. I remember you are always there when I see doctor and give me encouragement. When I am happy or sad, you are there to share. I am happy, like today, when you are on leave to spend time with me.  This is why I know mommy loves me.”

As for me, I know a mother’s love for her kids is unconditional.  That is we do not anticipate any returns and neither should we look at it as imposing or a sacrifice. However, it is certainly motivating to hear from our kids that they appreciate what we have done for them - through our unspoken love and actions.  My two boys give slightly different versions of their feelings of their mother’s love. However, through a simple conversation, I have a deeper understanding of what they value most from my love.  It is nothing materialistic and nothing difficult to achieve.  Yes….just that touch of warmth, that encouragement, that time spent, and that caring gesture when they are in need.

Try this little conversation with your kids on what they value most from you. So do you have a deeper understanding now - on what your kid values most between you and him/her?

5 Responses to “What Do Children Value Most - From Family?”