101 Ways to Make Your Kid Feel Awesome

A kiss here, a hug there. Sneaking a note into their lunch box, letting them win a game, or teaching them something new. It’s easy to forget how the smallest of things can have a huge positive effect on your kid.

A simple gesture and some lighthearted fun with a dash of silliness, is often all it takes to brighten my kids’ days and fill their cups. When I go out of my way to make my children feel special, I’m also teaching them something really important: the value of being thoughtful. Raising kind kids is important to me and I know that the best way to do that is to be kind to them myself.

Take a look at my 101 ways to make your kids feel AWESOME.

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101 Ways to Make Your Kids Feel Awesome

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101 Ways to Make Your Kids Feel Awesome

Tell them they are awesome

It's as simple as that. Tell your kid how awesome they are and how much you love them. They can never hear it enough.

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Hug and kiss them

Never underestimate the power of touch. A hug, kiss, or tickle can mean the world to your kid, and make you feel pretty awesome too.

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Laugh with them

Intimate, fun and good for the soul. Jokes are a funny way to get the laughter happening - kids love jokes.

Image: Kylie Purtell Photography
Play hide and seek with them

Kids can be ridiculously funny and cute when playing hide and seek. Get in on the act and join in the fun.

Try this: 29 Incredibly Fun Indoor Games that Kids Will Love

Image: Steph's Joy
Let them get messy once in a while

Barefoot, muddy, messy, wild and free. The definition of fun for kids.

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Let them win a game

Put that competitive streak aside and let your kid win a game every now and then. Beating mum or dad will have them on top of the world.

This might help: 5 Tips for Teaching Your Kids to Lose Gracefully

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Catch their kiss and put it on your cheek

A sign of love that will warm their insides. There's something about you catching their kiss that makes kids beam from ear to ear.

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Blow raspberries on their tummy

The noisier, more slobbery and ticklish, the better. Every kid has a love/hate relationship with the noisy raspberry!

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Treasure the flowers they pick for you

They may be weeds, wilted or in desperate need of water, but cherishing and thanking your child for their flowers picked with love will bring a smile to their face.

Keep your flowers forever: DIY Pressed Flower Monogram

Image: Kylie Purtell Photography
Dance with them

Dance like no one is watching and wake up those happy chemicals. Put a bobby kids' song on the stereo (hello Wiggles!) or dance to your own favourite tune. The kids will love it either way. Check Spotify for ready-made kids' dance playlists.

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Let them choose their own clothes

So what if their stripes clash with their spots and blue and green should never be seen? Give your kid a little independence and let them express their individuality.

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Let them stay up past their bedtime

Set aside the bedtime routine every now and then and let them feel like a big kid up past their bedtime.

Try this: 10 Ways to Connect with Your Kids Before Bedtime

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Let them decide what's for dinner

Put the power in your kid's hands and let them decide what's for dinner. What's a bet they'll say pizza every time?

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Listen to their stories

Put away your phone and your work. When your child talks, listen to them with your full attention and allow them to feel heard.

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Teach them to kick a ball

The first time your kid connects their foot with the ball is one to remember for you and them. After they get the hang of it, there are lots of great games to play with a ball that you'll enjoy just as much as the kids.

Image: Kylie Purtell Photography
Have a water fight

Your kid will think there's nothing funnier than soaking you in a water fight. Make sure you get your own back!

Other options: 6 Less Stressful-For-You Pool Games

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Be silly together

Pull funny faces, dance like crazy, or put on funny hats. Injecting some silliness into your play will give you both a good belly laugh.

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Let them win a race

Make your kid feel fast, strong and on top of the world when you let them beat you in a race.

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Share a secret

Whether you whisper sweet nothings, or let them in on a real secret. Sharing something important as a secret will make your kid feel special and trusted.

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Run under the sprinkler

Nothing beats old fashioned fun. Run under the sprinkler on a hot day and see who gets the most wet. Playing games like jumping OVER the sprinkler and running UNDER are also lots of fun.

Image: Kylie Purtell Photography
Take them to a restaurant

We all love treating ourselves to a meal out and kids are no different. Surprise them with a trip to their favourite restaurant for some yummy one-on-one time.

You may need this: How to Eat Out with Small Children without Losing Your Mind

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Let them lick the bowl
Kids love baking, but let's face it, they're really only in it to lick the bowl. Here are some great recipes to bake with kids:
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Build a block tower

Working together to build a tower higher than the both of you, is sure to make them feel important and part of a team. You can also have block races - see who can build the tallest tower in 1 minute, 5 minutes or 10 minutes.

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Laugh at their jokes

It may be funny or it may make no sense whatsover. Watch them smile as you pretend their joke is the funniest thing you've ever heard.

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Teach them how to climb a tree

Learning to climb a tree is a major milestone in a kid's life. Find a suitable tree in your backyard or bushland and conquer it slowly. If you're allowed to, why not hang a rope swing and get even more enjoyment from your new favourite tree?

Image: Kylie Purtell Photography
Let them go barefoot

There's nothing more freeing for kids than kicking off their shoes and running wild in nature. Let them ditch their shoes as often as possible so they can feel the earth between their toes. It's so good for them.

Image: You had us at hello
Let them believe

Believing in magic, fairies, Santa and the Easter Bunny never hurt anyone. Encourage their creativity and open the door to endless imaginary play.

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Have a picnic

Buck tradition and eat on a picnic rug on the lounge room floor. Better yet, eat outdoors.

This might help: 5 Tricks to Pull off a Family Picnic in No Time
Make a fort in the lounge room

Grab sheets, blankets, cardboard boxes and broomsticks to build your kid a tent or fort of epic proportions. It will provide endless fun and they'll love working with you to create their dream hideout.

Related: 31 Awesome Way to Entertain a Kid with a Cardboard Box

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Roll down a hill with them

Embrace your inner child and up the fun-o-metre as you join your kid in a roly poly down the hill. Honestly, how long has it been since you rolled down a hill? Be careful, of course!

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Turn off your phone, tv, computer

Don't let your phone, tv or computer distract you when you're with your kids. Be present and give them your full attention. Remember that we are the best role models when it comes to showing how good life can be when we step away from the screens...

This: 21 Things Every Mum Knows to Be True About Screen Time

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Explore the stars and moon

Explore the magic and wonder of the night sky. Teach your kid about the stars and constellations and show them how small they are in our universe.

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Go fishing

When it comes to bonding parent/child experiences, fishing is up there on the list. Big catch or not, this is sure to bring you together.

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Take funny photos together

Kids are accustomed to the paparazzi, otherwise known as mum and dad, snapping their every move. Get in the picture with them and crank up the fun while you're at it.

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Admire their artwork

They put a lot of effort into each and every piece of art they create. Pop it on the fridge, cherish it and tell them how clever they are.

Up the ante: How to Display Your Kids' Art

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Clap when they put on a show for you

It doesn't take much and is absolutely free. Clapping when your child puts on a performance will fill them with a sense of pride and achievement.

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Let them jump on the bed

Jumping on the bed is usually a big no-no, right? Break the rules every now and then and let them embrace their inner monkey jumping on the bed.

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Help out in the classroom

Your kid will love to see you in their school or daycare environment, helping out, talking to the teachers, getting to know their friends and watching and praising them for the good work they do.

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Pick them up early

They may not be able to tell the time yet, but picking your kid up early from daycare or school as a surprise will have them on cloud nine.

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Put a note in their lunch box

There's nothing like a surprise love note in their lunch box to put a smile on your kid's dial. For a fresh spin on your usual note, try these I Like You Because Notes.

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Surprise them with their favourite treat

Ice cream before dinner? Break the rules every now and then and surprise them with their favourite treat. Their reaction alone will be worth it.

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Smile when they enter the room

All a kid ever wants is to feel loved and wanted. Free and instantaneous - a smile is all it takes to make your kid smile with you.

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Dress up with them

Whether you're a dad donning a tiara or a superhero mum, your kid will love having you enter their imaginary world of play.

Try this: An Easy Way to Build a DIY Station for Dress Ups and Pretend Play

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Thank them for the cup of tea they made you

Tell your kid it's the most delicious cup of tea you've ever tasted and then ask for another. They'll be so pleased with themselves, even if it IS made with cold water from the tap!!!

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Give them a piggyback ride

Let your kid see the world from a different angle as you carry them high on your back or shoulders for some old fashioned fun.

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Wrestle with them

Kids love rough-housing with their parents. To pin Dad down in a wrestle, is the ultimate, but don't forget that wrestling Mum is equally as good.

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Let them tickle you

Pretend you are in fits of giggles and that you can't take it any longer. Tell them to stop, stop, stop, will have them wanting to play more, more, more.

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Let them help around the house
Whether it's setting the table, making their bed, or putting away their toys. Trusting in them to do a job for you will make them feel confident and a valued member of the family. Here are a few ways to get started:
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Jump in puddles

Even before Peppa came along, kids have loved any chance to jump in a muddy puddle. Venture out with a raincoat and gum boots on the next rainy day for some wet weather fun.

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Surprise them with a 'just because' present

Take kids into a shopping centre and they'll want, want, want. Surprising them with a 'just because' present out of the blue will mean so much more to them. It doesn't have to be something big - the smallest gesture will be just as appreciated. It's the thought that you were thinking of them that counts!!

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Help them help a friend

Help your kid make a difference in someone else's world. They will get a natural high from seeing how their actions have helped another.
Send them a letter in the mail

Kids love to check the mail box, but how often is there something in there for them? Surprise them with a letter and watch their face light up as they tear it open.
Teach them how to ride a bike

Learning to ride a bike isn't easy, but when your kid finally manages to get the wheels in motion, it will be a big moment for the both of you.

Photo credit - Kylie Purtell Photography
Let them do your hair or makeup

You'll be surprised at how relaxing … and ticklish it feels. Letting them do your hair or makeup will have you both feeling great.
Spin around with them until you both feel dizzy and fall over

Having you fall in a dizzy heap on the ground beside them will make your kid feel awesome from the inside out.
Push them high on a swing

Let them feel the wind in their hair, the sun on their face, and the thrill of swinging so high they think they will touch the sky.
Measure them and show them how much they've grown

Grab a tape measure and mark their height on the wall. Kids love to see how much they've grown and how big and strong they're becoming.
Make up a bedtime story starring them

A superhero? A Princess? A circus clown? Let your imagination run wild as you make your kid the star of their own story. Get them to help with the storytelling and see where it takes you.
Eat something they grew in the garden

Your kid will be filled with pride and wonder as they eat something out of the garden they have nurtured from a seedling.
Sing with them

You may be tone def, but your kid will think it's the sweetest sound.
Ask them to teach you how to do something

Kids teach us on a daily basis, but asking them outright to teach you how to do something will fill them with importance and self-confidence.
Take them out of their comfort zone

Whether you encourage them to climb to the top of the playground, or ride their bike without training wheels, gently pushing your kid out of their comfort zone will fill them with a sense of pride and achievement.
Wear the same outfit

Let them be your mini-me for the day. Your kid will love to step out with you in matching outfits.
Tell them about when they were a baby

Kids love to hear what they were like as a baby. Tell them how you rocked them to sleep, how they loved the bath, or what songs you sang. Tell the story with warmth, love and feeling to create some beautiful memories.
Ask them about the best / worst part of their day

Be involved in your kid's life. Ask them how their day was and take an interest in what they have to say.
Thank your child

Those two little words take little effort, yet have a huge impact.
Spend time with them

It doesn't have to be anything extravagant, you don't even have to leave the house. Sit down with them, become involved in their world and pay them attention.
Ask for their opinion

Kids have opinions too. Ask them for their input and they'll feel valued and important.
Ask for help

Helping mum or dad with a special job is sure to make your kid feel responsible and grown up.
Trust them to do a task

Kids love the opportunity to do something important for you. Instill trust in them to help them grow into capable and responsible young people.
Tell them you missed them

Everyone wants to feel loved. Tell your kid you missed them while they were at school and that you're so happy to see them.
Believe in them

Tell your kid they can do anything they set their mind to. Believe in them and they will believe in themselves.
Tell them how strong they are

Admire how strong and capable they are and how much they've grown.
Tell them you're proud of them

Every kid wants and needs to hear how proud you are of them. Whether you're proud of them for not wetting the bed, brushing their teeth, or packing away their toys without you asking, say it often, say it loud.
Join their imaginary games

Immerse yourself in their imaginary world and let them lead the fun and laughter.
Read their favourite book

Nestle them under your nook for some quiet and intimate together time as you relive their favourite book over and over again.
Attend their special events

Whether it's a sports carnival, ballet concert or football match. Cheer them on loud and proud from the sidelines.
Let them overhear you praising them

Let your kid overhear you tell another adult how well they did something or how proud you are of them.
Let them do 'just one more' a few more times

Give in every now and then and let them have 'just one more' over and over again.
Tell them their birth story

Minus all the gory details, tell your kid about the day they were born, how you were feeling, what happened and how you felt when you held them in your arms for the first time.
One-on-one time

Forget about how hectic life is for a couple of hours and spend quality one-on-one time with your kid.
Give your kid a nickname

Nicknames make everyone feel special and kids are no different.
Have their friends over to play

Friendship is important to kids. Let them have a friend or two over to invite them into their world and share their toys.
Be affectionate with your partner in front of them

Kids love to feel safe, secure and happy in their home. Seeing you share a hug or kiss, being kind to each other, and sharing special moments, helps kids feel safe, secure and happy in their home.
Call them when you're away

Even if you've gone to the shops for just a few hours, check in to say hi and let them know you're thinking of them.
Have a pyjama day

Kids will get a thrill out of staying in their jammies all day and seeing you in yours too.
Let them choose your outfit

They may style you in a sequinned dress with sneakers for a trip to the shops, but having the power to choose your outfit and unleash their creativity on you will have you both smiling.
Eat dinner at the table as a family

Turn the TV off and put the phone away, connect as a family over the dinner table and share stories of your day.
Help them write a story and make a book

Encourage their creativity and work together to make beautifully imaginative stories they can add to their bookshelf and treasure forever.
Let them climb into bed with you

Nothing feels better than a snuggle in bed with mum and dad … every now and then.
Make a happy home

It's easy to feel overwhelmed with daily stresses, but creating a relaxed, happy and stress free environment will have a positive effect on the whole family.
Let them plan the day

It may mean ice cream for breakfast, but placing kids in charge will make their day.
Comfort them when they feel sad

A listening ear, a warm embrace, and just being there when your kid feels blue.
Play with them

It doesn't come naturally for some parents, but giving your kid your full attention as you get down on their level to play, can have a huge impact on their happiness and development.

Photo credit - Steph's Joy
Try something you've both never done before

Bond over a shared new experience and create memories to last a lifetime.
Praise them

Recognition goes a long way for adults and even longer for kids. Tell your kid they're doing a great job and you're proud of them.
Let them skip a bath

It can be your dirty little secret. There's no harm in skipping a bath every now and then and the kids will love it.
Give them a wheelbarrow ride

Free, wholesome fun. What kid doesn't love a wheelbarrow ride?
See a movie together

Grab some popcorn, let them choose the movie, and nestle in for some together time.
Teach them a game from when you were a kid

Kids love to know what you were like when you were a kid. Take them for a trip down memory lane.
Get out in the great outdoors

Breathe in the fresh air, soak up the sun and explore what nature has on offer.