Celebration of Life Day

​During January, we look towards the future and new beginnings. A key component to a prosperous future is our youth, particularly our children and grandchildren. On January 22nd, the world commemorates and celebrates National Celebration of Life Day. This day serves as a reminder to make sure our children feel loved, valued, and extra special.

Children, just like adults, need assurance in knowing they are appreciated. In the chaos of all of life’s tasks and obstacles, it can be hard to scrap up extra time and energy for one-on-one time with our children. Here are a couple of tips on how to get started:  

• Engage in an activity you and your child will enjoy. Talk to your child about what he or she enjoys doing and find something you both can do together. This may include playing a sport, taking a walk to the park, or even playing a silly board game. This one on one time with your child displays your interest in them and strengthens your relationship.
• Mark it on your calendar! We recommend you make quality time a weekly activity! As is the case with important business meetings, put the date in your planner or phone to avoid scheduling something else during that time. 
• Words of affection really do matter. Expressing warmth to our children in the form of hugs, kisses, words of praise, and the occasional tickle, signifies love. Everyone wants to be told that they are loved. We must learn to say it, show it and mean it.  

            On this particular day, we reflect on this passage: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (NIV Mark 10:13-16).