1. Get your kids involved.
Nothing melts a teacher’s or a mama’s heart like a thought through a gift from one of their students or kids. My daughter made a necklace for her kindergarten teacher and she wore it the whole day. My son painted a rock for his 3rd-grade teacher, and it still sits in his classroom. Heartfelt equals love and appreciation.
2. Mix your ideas and theirs.
As I said, I like to make things with my hands, but at the same time, I want my kids to share their ideas. Last year my daughter wanted to make a box of chocolates, so my kids decorated boxes and I made chocolates. It was a perfect combination!
3. Keep it simple so as not to overwhelm.
Because I tend to want to go all out, I have to constantly remind myself to pull back and simplify. The act of appreciating and showing love should be a joyful process, not a stressful one.
4. Allow plenty of time for your kids to be creative.
My kids don’t do well being rushed, so I’ve had to learn to allow several days to complete a project if need be. I think there’s also a bit of perfectionism in there (where they get that, I don’t know…smile), so rushing creates stress. It’s hard to be creative in a time crunch.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34, 35
There are lots of ways we can show love and appreciation, but the point is to simply do it, isn’t it? It’s when we do it, that the world notices a difference and that difference is simply the love of Jesus.
