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“I Love to Watch You Play” is What Every Kid Needs to Hear
It’s not often that a single statement resonates with me on such a profound level. Yet, there was one phrase that completely shifted how I connect with my family. Surprisingly, it didn’t come from a famous author or a child development expert; it was a revelation shared by kids themselves. Throughout my journey of embracing a more mindful approach to parenting, I’ve realized that children truly understand what matters most.
The words that struck me were: “College athletes were asked what their parents said that made them feel great during and after games. The overwhelming response: ‘I love to watch you play.’”
I stumbled upon this eye-opening sentence in an article discussing the traits of great sports parents. After reading it, I found myself reflecting on my interactions with my children after their performances. Did I ever simply say, “I love to watch you play”?
While I’ve offered encouragement and advice many times, I wondered if I sometimes overdid it. As someone who tends to be a bit verbose—whether in conversations or written messages—I pondered if my lengthy praise could send the wrong message.
Could I really just express, “I love to watch you play” and leave it at that? The next day provided a perfect opportunity to test this out at my son’s swim meet. As he took his mark for the race, I felt tears welling in my eyes—not because I expected him to win, but simply because I was overwhelmed with love and pride for his effort.
After the meet, I wrapped a towel around him and said, “I love to watch you swim. You’re amazing.” This time, my words were concise but filled with love. He leaned into me, and I could see the relief on his face: “The pressure’s off. My parent just loves to watch me swim; that’s all.”
A few days later, my daughter had her first big ukulele lesson without the colored dots that had guided her for so long. She played beautifully, and once again, I felt tears of joy. Instead of overanalyzing her performance, I simply told her, “I love to watch you play your ukulele.” Her smile was priceless, and I knew I had found something meaningful.
The positive reactions from my kids encouraged me to adopt this mantra more often. I found myself telling them things like, “I love to watch you read,” or “I love to see you explore nature.” These simple affirmations made a world of difference in how they felt about their activities.
This new approach didn’t just apply to my kids; it extended to my husband too. One day, while watching him volunteer at a local center, I realized how much I appreciated his dedication. Writing down my thoughts, I shared with him how much I love watching him be a wonderful father and husband. It was a simple note, but it carried a lot of weight.
In moments where simply observing someone fills your heart with joy, it’s essential to express that feeling. It’s as easy and beautiful as that.
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In summary, the power of expressing love through simple statements can transform relationships with our children and partners. By embracing a straightforward approach, we can create deeper connections and foster a positive environment.