Smile at Your Kids

My second baby was sick for the first three months of his life. Really sick. My sweet son. He threw up everything I would feed him. He wouldn’t sleep. I didn't sleep.

I remember changing his diaper 11 years ago and thinking...man...my FIRST baby was such a happy baby. This guy...he never smiles. This is so different.

Then it hit me. “You never smile at him.”

Wow. He doesn’t know how to smile much because I never do.

The stress. The laundry (so.much.laundry.)...the sleeplessness. From that moment I decided I would smile at my son...even if I didn’t feel like it.....even covered in throw up running on 6 hours of sleep in 3 days.

Guess what happened? He quickly became one of the happiest babies out of my 6 children.

When was the last time you looked your child in the eyes (That’s a big part! Look them in the eyes and let it linger for a moment) and smiled? Spouse? Friend? Family members? Stranger in the grocery store? Coworker? It works on 37 year olds, teens - anyone!

It can set the tone for peace in your home or the grocery store....at work. It can say “I love you” or “I enjoy you” without words. It can say “it’s gonna be OK.”

When our kids feel loved. They can become more lovable. When our kids feel enjoyed...they can become more enjoyable (sometimes this can take a while 🥴so don’t get discouraged).

I will sometimes catch my kid around the corner doing something simple like playing with Legos, homework or watching TV. I will look at them smiling until they catch me admiring them. I just want them to know I admire them in the simple moments. They don’t have to earn it. My spouse doesn’t have to buy me flowers to see me smile. Your co-workers and friends need it.

Spread some peace with a smile today.