♥ The things your kids will remember about you

Copyright Andy Dean Photography

♥ The times you made them feel safe 

Or the times you made them feel unsafe. There’s a vulnerability and a need for protection in the heart of every child. Your kids will remember those moments you chased the monsters from under their bed or held them after a nightmare, but they’ll also remember the times when your temper became the monster they feared. Our kids are probably going to see us angry sometimes, because that’s part of life, but do your best to make your children feel safe and secure at all times when they’re with you.

♥ How you gave your undivided attention

Kids measure love primarily by our attentiveness to them. The times you stop what you’re doing to have a tea party or go outside to throw a ball or jump on a trampoline with be memories etched into their minds and hearts forever. Take the time to do the little things with your kids, because in the end, they’ll be the moments that matter most.

♥ The way you interacted with your spouse

Our kids are forming their views of love in large part by watching how we treat our husband or wife. Strive to have the kind of marriage that makes them excited to get married someday. Give them the security that comes from seeing their Mom and Dad in a committed, loving relationship with each other.

♥ Your words of affirmation or of criticism

A child’s heart is like wet cement and the impression made early in life will harden over time. They’ll base their sense of identity, capability and even self-worth largely upon the words you speak to them in those formative years. Part of our job as parents is to correct and discipline, but even in correction, let your words be full of love, encouragement and positive reinforcement.

♥ Your family traditions
Kids love spontaneity, but they also have deep need for routine and predictability. They’ll remember with great fondness the “traditions” you establish whether it’s a weekly family movie or game night, a place you regularly travel to for family getaways, the way you celebrate birthdays and special events or any other special tradition. Be intentional about creating some traditions that they’ll want to pass on to their own children someday.

♥

A mother's poem...

I hope my children look back one day 

And see a mother who had time to play. 

There'll be time later for cleaning and cooking, 

But children grow up when you’re not looking. 

Tomorrow I’ll do all the chores you can mention 

But today, my baby needs time and attention.

So settle down cobwebs; dust go to sleep, 

I’m playing with my children 'cuz children don’t keep.

- author unknown
♥

For more information about newborns, babies, infant, toddlers: you might find my FUN educational youtube videos helpful: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyUZ0DQiBXWUvkOaKRtHFVA

Toddler Potty Training Potty Seat: https://amzn.to/3yDDbXO
Toddler Potty Seat: https://amzn.to/2TNoLoY
Potty Training Insert Seat: https://amzn.to/3dVDrJA

Toilet Seat with Built-in Potty Training Seat for Toddlers:
https://amzn.to/3AMwLax

Potty Training Timer Watch:
Blue: https://amzn.to/3hupSmt
Pink: https://amzn.to/3AQ0iQD

Miss Jen’s Favorite Potty Training Books to Read to Your Toddlers:
“Once Upon A Potty” Boy Version: https://amzn.to/3xs5nN9
“Once Upon A Potty” Girl Version: https://amzn.to/3yBMerZ
“Everyone Poops”: https://amzn.to/2THjBuX
"Potty": https://amzn.to/3hSmAcW

Potty Training Splash Guard for Boys: https://amzn.to/3ho5pQi

Piddle Pad for Car Seat: https://amzn.to/3hpTHVq

Car Seat Lamb Skin: https://amzn.to/3qXTn3p

Toddler Potty Training Toilets:
I’ve had experience working with Toddler Potty Training Toilets that cost $400+ (yes, that’s a thing!) and ones that are only $5 (the cheaper ones usually fall apart quickly). These are MY favorites and most reasonable in price. The kiddos love them - they are close to the ground, comfortable, sturdy and easy to get onto:
https://amzn.to/3wrYVUN
https://amzn.to/3kcp0Vk
https://amzn.to/3jXzwzR

Huggies Pull-ups:

Girls: https://amzn.to/2TXkb7N
Boys: https://amzn.to/3yHmvi0

Night Time Pull Ups - Goodnites:
For Girls: https://amzn.to/2TXlZO7
For Boys: https://amzn.to/3xDII0s

Toddler Underwear:
Girls: https://amzn.to/3xFyI6H
Boys: https://amzn.to/3kdipu6

Step Stool For Kids:
Pink: https://amzn.to/3ks3rk6
Blue: https://amzn.to/36E1zwb

Urine stain & odor spray:
https://amzn.to/3BmEr3I

Miss Jen’s favorite “Poo-Poo Cookies!”:
https://amzn.to/3xAf9wx

Other Treat Rewards:
https://amzn.to/36uFbW0

Oh Crap Potty Training Book: https://amzn.to/2UvmH5w