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A simple secret to getting a kiss from your child
Written by Abel Cheng   
Wednesday, 29 August 2007
When people say simple things could make a big difference, you'd better believe it. It happened to me just the other night.

As usual, before we slept that night, my wife and I were hanging out with the kids in the bedroom. We read and fooled around.

Right before I switched off the lights, I asked my 4 years old daughter about her favorite fruits.

She said, "Papayas, bananas, mangosteens, kiwi fruits, strawberries, and grapes."

(I notice her list keeps changing. In case you plan to buy some fruits for her, just remember to check with me her latest favorites.)

"What about you, daddy?" asked, J, as would other 4 years olds.

I answered obligingly, "Hmm, I like bananas and papayas."

Suddenly, I saw a smile on her face. And she came closer to me as if she wanted to attack me. I stepped back and was clueless what she was trying to do to me.

I then felt at ease after I realized that J was trying to give me a peck on the cheek.

kiss from a child

Honestly, the whole scenario puzzled me. I regret that I didn't ask her the reason she kissed me that night.

In hindsight, I guess this was what happened.

She felt that I cared for her as I took the initiative to ask her about her likes and dislikes, in this case, her favorite fruits.

On the other hand, she felt it's an honor to have me share with her my favorite fruits.

By asking and telling your child our feelings toward certain things, though it may sound as a simple act to us, it means a lot to children.

But we always overlook the simplest things in life, don’t we?


For more Works for Me tips, head on over to Shannon’s Rocks in My Dryer.

Comments (3)add comment

Nikki said:

  This sounds like something my daughter would respond to as well. Thanks!
2007-08-29 12:14:30 | url

mom2fur said:

  I think when we share our feelings with children, it boosts their egos, because adults don't usually do that. It's like saying, "you matter enough to me, and I respect you enough, to tell you what I think about something." I mean, don't we adults feel the same way when one of our superiors (a boss, for instance) chats with us on an even level, instead of talking down to us? At least once a day, we should all make our kids feel, "hey, we're in this together!"
Brilliant post--your kids are lucky to have you!
2007-08-29 20:04:16 | url

Janice said:

  I can't agree more with what mom2fur said. My daughter always listen with all ears when we share our day with her before sleep. She felt being respected. In return, she shares her day too and we get to know what happened to her at pre-school and at nanny's place.
2007-08-30 11:00:50

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