But here’s the thing—children don’t connect the dots. They don’t automatically understand that this exhaustion is a byproduct of love and dedication. Unless love is explicitly communicated, they may not recognize it at all.
As they grow, things change. They may resist affection, roll their eyes, or even protest with dramatic statements like, “Ew, stop!” or the ever-classic, “I’d rather die than be kissed!”—especially in front of their friends.
Teenagers have a deep-seated fear of embarrassment. Their most fervent prayer each morning is simple: “God, please don’t let me be embarrassed today.” This means affection has to evolve. Love can’t always be shown through physical gestures, but it must still be made clear.
Wife: “Why don’t you ever say you love me?”
Husband: “What do you mean? We’ve been together for 25 years!”
Men may believe that loyalty and consistency equal love, but for most women (and children), love must be both shown and verbalized. The same struggle exists between parents and kids—if love isn’t expressed in ways they understand, they may doubt its existence.
One father shared a story: While tucking his son into bed, the boy stopped him and said, “Daddy, you forgot to tuck me in!”
The father replied, “Why does it matter? You’re going to sleep anyway.”
The child answered, “Because I like to know that you tucked me in—it makes a difference.”
This moment speaks volumes about a child’s deep need for security. Small gestures—like tucking them in or saying goodnight—matter more than we realize.
But let’s be real: It’s not easy. By the time parents leave the house, they’re already exhausted.
So, how do we make time? The answer is planning. Good parenting doesn’t happen by accident; it requires intentionality.
Here’s an idea: Team up with a neighbor or friend. On Tuesday, she takes your kids so you get one-on-one time with one child. On Wednesday, you return the favor. These simple strategies ensure that, despite busy schedules, meaningful moments still happen.
A better approach? Instead of pretending to listen, pause. Get on the child’s level and say, “Not now, but I’ll make time for you later.” Then, actually follow through.
Explicit love matters. Intentional parenting matters. And above all, showing up—even in small ways—makes all the difference.
So tonight, as your child goes to bed, take a moment. Tuck them in, give them a hug, and say those three most meaningful words: “I love you.”
It’s the little things that create a lifetime of security.
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