100 Simple Ideas to

Show Kids You Care

1. Have a good attitude on bad days.

2. Smile a lot.

3. Acknowledge them.

4. Join their adventures.

5. Introduce them to new experiences

6. Remember their birthdays.

7. Ask them about themselves.

8. Look in their eyes when you talk to them.

9. Listen to them.

10. Make time to play with them.

11. Read aloud together.

12. Giggle together.

13. Make a spontaneous greeting card, telling them

you love them, etc

14. Say yes a lot.

15. Tell them their feelings are okay.

16. Set boundaries that keep them safe.

17. Be honest.

18. Be yourself.

19. Listen to their stories.

20. Hug them.

21. Forget your worries sometimes and concentrate

only on them.

22. Notice when they're acting differently.

23. Present options when they seek your counsel.

24. Play outside together.

25. Surprise them.

26. Stay with them when they're afraid.

27. Invite them over for juice.

28. Suggest better behaviors when they act out.

29. Feed them when they're hungry.

30. Delight in their discoveries.

31. Share their excitement.

32. Send them a letter or postcard.

33. Follow them when they lead.

34. Notice when they're absent.

35. Call them and say hello.

36. Hide surprises for them to find.

37. Give them space when they need it.

38. Contribute to their collections.

39. Discuss their dreams and nightmares.

40. Laugh at their jokes.

41. Be relaxed.

42. Kneel, squat, or sit so you're at their level.

43. Answer their questions.

44. Tell them how terrific they are.

45. Create a tradition with them and keep it.

46. Learn what they have to teach.

47. Use your ears more than your mouth.
48. Make yourselves available.

49. Show up at their concerts, games, and events.

50. Find a common interest.

51. Hold hands during a walk.

52. Apologize when you've done something wrong.

53. Listen to their favorite music with them.

54. Keep the promises you make.

55. Wave and smile when you part.

56. Display their artwork in your home.

57. Thank them.

58. Inspire their creativity.

59. Tape-record a message for them

60. Give them lots of compliments.

61. Catch them doing something right.

62. Give them good choices.

63. Give them your undivided attention.

64. Ask for their opinions.

65. Expect their best; don’t expect perfection

66. Be curious with them.

67. Empower them to help and be themselves

68. Tell them how much you like being with them.

69. Let them solve most of their own problems.

70. Meet their friends.

71. Love them, no matter what

72. Let them tell you how they feel.

73. Help them become an expert at something.

74. Be excited when you see them.

75. Appreciate their individuality.

76. Let them act their age.

77. Talk openly with them.

78. Be consistent.

79. Tolerate their interruptions.

80. Be silly together.

81. Share a secret

82. Marvel at what they can do.

83. Tell them how proud you are of them.

84. Write a chalk message on their sidewalk

85. Create a safe open environment

86. Be available

87. Cheer their accomplishments

88. Be understanding when they have a difficult day.

89. Applaud their success.

90. Deal with problems and conflicts while they're

still small.

91. Encourage them to help others
92. Tell them stories in which they are the hero.

93. Believe in them.

94. Nurture them with good food, good words, and

good fun.

95. Be flexible.

96. Tackle new tasks together

97. Let them make mistakes.

98. Notice when they grow.

99. Include them in conversations.

100. Give them immediate feedback.

Adapted from from

"Healthy Communities, Healthy Youth"

Written by Jolene L. Roehlkepartain

©1998 by Search Institute