I have been thinking about motherhood a lot lately. How as the years go by and how the seasons may change that one thing still remains--you are still a mother to your children no matter what age they are. As I grow older and think about my own mother, I am always amazed at the influence that she has over me even now that I am in my mid forties. It is a great reminder to me that what I do and say in my children's lives really matter whether they are young or old. I have nine children ranging in ages from 2 to 24 years old. I have learned that we can't do it alone and will never be perfect and that is why it is important to pray and ask God for help and wisdom when it comes to motherhood. " Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God." ~Titus 2:3-5 It is also humbling to know that God can use a sinner (saved by His mighty Hand) to mold these lives he has entrusted us with. And while mothers are meant to nurture their children, we can sometimes forget how important the basics are-- so we need to be reminded. So today I am sharing a few helpful tips to remind us of what is important. SIX WAYS TO BE KIND AND NURTURE YOUR CHILDREN 1. LOVE THEM. There are many ways to show love to a child and the list below shares a few more. One of the things that I noticed is that I need to be purposeful about actually saying it. It is so easy to be busy and before you know it days have gone by or for some maybe even weeks or months. Just take a minute out of your day to look your child in the eye and say "I love you." 2. LISTEN TO THEM. Yes, really listen to them. Don't just try to rush through it so you can get back to what you were doing. Your child is only here for a short time and soon they will grow up and be gone. Pull yourself away from what distracts you and take some time for some heart-to-heart conversation. 3. SMILE AT THEM. I remember once I was talking to my sister-in-law and her saying to me, "Even if I don't have a lot of money, one thing I can give my children is a smile." I have thought about this from time to time and how all her children smile often too. A smile can make things okay and bring joy. A smile can lift a spirit and give hope. Smile at your children---it's free! 4. HUG THEM. I have to admit that I am working on hugging my kids more with so many it can be easy to forget to do so! I want them to remember me as a mom who gave them hugs and made them feel loved and safe. If you grew up in a home where physical affection was minimal you might want to make an effort to snuggle with your child while readng a book or patting them on the back. Most children love being nurtured through physical affection. 5. PRAY WITH THEM. Teach them how to come before the throne of God and grow deeper their relationship with Him. When they see you humbly asking God for help they learn from your example to trust and rely on Him. 6. FORGIVE THEM. Your child is a sinner and will make mistakes. You will need to forgive them. You will also need to lovingly correct, train, and show grace and mercy as needed. 7. LEAD THEM TO THE LORD. As you live in your home with your children and the days go by be sure to lead your children to the Lord. Nothing will be more important than leading their souls to Him. They need Him for everything and teaching them at a young age to follow Him will impact their lives forever. "The process of shaping the child, shapes also the mother herself. Reverence for her sacred burden calls her to all that is pure and good, that she may teach primarily by her own humble, daily example." ~by Elisabeth Elliot, The Shaping of a Christian Family What else would you add to this list? Note: This post contains affiliate links---thanks for your support!