Loving my children has always been a very natural thing for me. From the first time they kicked in the womb I felt a fierce love and connection to them. There are many ways to show our children that we love them but in this busy world that we live in sometimes we get too caught up in doing thngs for them instead of focusing on the very simple things that mean the most. So I have complied a list of how we can show our children that we love them through our actions and not just our words.

#1. Talk to Them - This seems like a no-brainer but really it is very simple. Talk to them. If you are not in the habit of talking, daily, to your children it might be hard at first to get a conversation going. Ask leading open ended questions. I'm not talking about grilling them or interogating them, just simple conversation. Talk about the flowers in your garden, the funny woman you saw at the grocery store, what you liked to do when you were a child, your favorite food, what they were like as a baby, how you felt the first time you held them. Just talk. The more you talk to them the more they will open up to you. Which leads me to:

#2 Listen to them - Really listen. Turn off the TV, shut down the computer, get off the phone, put down the book and listen to what they are saying. You will not have them forever and some day you may be sitting home alone wondering why they never call. It's because you never listened. Here is your chance. Listen to what they say, even if it seems silly to you. If they are taking the time to tell you about something then you owe it to them to take the time to listen. And while you are listening to them:

#3 Look them in the eye - Focus entirely on them. Look into their eyes down the the depth of their souls and tell them you love them.

#4 Communicate through touch - Hug your child. Rumple up their hair. Touch the top of thier heads when they walk by. Stroke their cheeks. Touch their hands as you talk to them. If you have never done this before they may pull back a bit at first. Give them time and be patient. Sit them on your lap and just cuddle. This is also a great time to practice #1-3.

#5 Spend time with them doing what they like - I know your busy. I know you have a full schedule and a huge list of things that need to get done but take five minutes away and spend it with your child, Read them a book. Play a game with them, have a tea party, shoot some hoops, teach them how to hit a curveball. Spend more time with your child than you do with your computer.

Remember that children see the world differently than we do. By taking the time to really show love to your child you are investing in their future happiness and giving them the security they need to thrive. I know that life is busy, but your time with them is fleeting and you never know what tomorrow holds. Show them your love now, while you still have the chance.