With todays families living in a fast paced, on the go schedule rushing to get out the door in the morning, then off to dance, music, karate, and swim classes after school- we are always on the go!  And our kids may welcome a small reminder that says "I Love You" - just in case the words got overlooked with all the hustle bustle.

Here are some quick ideas..........

Lunch Box Hearts   Cut a small heart shape from red or pink construction paper, write an "I Love You" or "I'm Proud of You" message and tuck it inside your child's lunch box/bag.  They will feel like they just received a great big hug from you! 

Good Bye Signals  Develop a special handshake, or phrase when saying goodbye.....pinkie hugs, high fives.....I love you to the moon and back, Have an Awesome day, etc.  It doesn't have to be anything elaborate, but the "specialness" and consistency will provide your child with an added sense of security as they separate from you.

Five Minutes of Focused Attention Can Significantly Reduce Negative Behaviors

Realizing that school pickups and then coming home are two potentially stressful transition times.  Your child has had a full day of fun & learning and are bursting with experiences to share with you - but do not have the verbal processing skills to quickly relay all of this to you...they need more time to organize their thoughts and feelings to share with you.  Now you've just walked in the door and you see the pile of mail you want to look at, the dishes left in the sink from the morning and it is time to get dinner.  You set out in high gear to "get things done" and now your child has decided they are ready to share their day with you.  Sensing they do not have your complete attention, they become clingy, crabby or just unreasonable all in an attempt to get your attention....................

Tomorrow, I ask you to try something different.  When you walk in the door, ignore the mail, the dishes, and dinner for just five minutes.  Cuddle up with your child and offer a positive statement about something - "I like how well you listened when we left school, that was helpful"; "Thank you for waiting while I got your brother out of the carseat, that was helpful".  Then ask what they enjoyed most at school today......I am sure they will now give you an answer.  Provide a warning "We've got one more minute to sit together then I am going to start getting dinner ready, and I'll need you to...........while I am doing that".

I am confident just giving them five minutes of your undivided attention will greatly reduce their negative attention seeking behaviors during this hectic time of the day......Good Luck!  Let us know how it worked.

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