7 Things Your Kids Will Remember About You

4. The times you made time for them.

Your kids don’t need you to be perfect, but they need you to be present. Children measure love primarily by our attentiveness to them. They need our undivided attention. 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 will 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.

#5 is SO important and it could change your marriage and your family dynamics...

5. 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.

#6 has more power than most parents realize...

6. Your words of affirmation AND your words 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.

#7 is one of the biggest legacies that could extend to your children’s future children...

7. Your family traditions.

Kids love spontaneity, but they also have a deep need for 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 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 onto their own children someday.

For more tools to help you build a happy and healthy family, check out our new website at DaveAndAshleyWillis.com

This article originally appeared here, published with permission.


Dave Willis
Dave Willis
Dave Willis is a pastor, husband, and dad of 4 boys. With his wife Ashley, Dave founded StrongerMarriages.org and the “Marriage” app as a way to encourage couples to build stronger marriage. You can connect with him on twitter and follow his blog at Patheos.

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