Love is a continuous feeling, developing over time, giving meaning to our lives. Sometimes we get caught up in our busy schedules and don’t take the time to remind our loved ones how much we appreciate them. It’s important to show your family that they are an important part of your life and to do this often. Here are five ways to express love and appreciation to your family.
Plan a Holiday
Planning a holiday for your family is a great way to show them that you want to spend time with them. Holidays are the perfect opportunity to bond and relax with your loved ones. Take advantage of time off and school holidays, and go on a family trip once a while. Take a day off here and there, schedule regular dates with your spouse, children and parents. Look out for cheap flights and accommodation specials. Remember to do some research and plan activities so that everyone gets the most out of their holiday. Watch a movie or visit an art gallery. Whether it’s a few days away or a couple of weeks, your family will appreciate spending quality time together. A family that travels together, stays together!
Spending Quality Time
Although it’s nice to go on holidays whenever you can fit it in your schedule and budget, it’s the small things that count. Spending time with your family on a daily basis will show them that you love and appreciate them. Sit together and have a meal together. Turn off the TV and put your cell phones away. Having a dinner without any distractions will make the moment more intimate and keep the conversations flowing. Making time for a small interaction each day can sometimes be challenging, especially when there’s a lot going on, but it’s important to do so.
Doing Something Special
Whenever you can find some time in your day, do something special for your family. Don’t wait for special occasions. Create your own opportunities to start your own family traditions. Wake up early on a Sunday and make everyone pancakes for no special reason. Call it Pancake Sunday! Send flowers or write them a card to remind them how amazing they are and that you love them. A little something special can brighten up someone’s day and make them feel appreciated.
Using Words
You’ll probably agree that everyone needs to be expressing their love and gratitude to their loved ones more often. It’s easy to be stuck in autopilot, doing what you do on a daily basis, and forgetting about the ones who matter. Expressing your gratitude with words is one of the easiest ways to show love and appreciation to your family. It’s something that you can incorporate into your daily routine without having to sacrifice too much time. Make it a habit to thank your family every day for something different, no matter how small it is. Doing so will also help children continue the same pattern and allow them to express their feelings more confidently in the future.
Learn Their Interests
There’s no doubt you love your family, but it might not be as easy loving their interests. One of the most meaningful ways to express your love and appreciation is learning about what they’re interested in. Communication is key. Spend time talking to them and ask about their accomplishments, hobbies and career goals. If they’re into sports, then take the evening off and watch a soccer match together. You might not be able to follow, but it’s the thought that counts. Demonstrating an interest in your loved ones’ hobbies show that they mean a lot to you.
Here are five ways you can express love and appreciation to your family. You don’t have to spend a whole lot of money on someone to show that they mean a lot to you. Saying or doing something meaningful goes a long way. Remember to use every opportunity you can!
Harper Reid is a freelance writer from New Zealand. Harper has collaborated with various blogs and NZ businesses such as Mr. Blinds, and she has written on a range of topics from health and parenting to home design.