I wasn’t sure that I was going to post anything today. There are no “wonderful words of wisdom” on my heart that I just had to pass on, so I thought I just wouldn’t write anything today. But then I realized how that is so much like parenting, so here I am.

As moms and dads we want to give the best of ourselves to our kids. Some days that best doesn’t seem like much. And that’s the kicker. Our kids don’t always need our best advice, or all kinds of exciting opportunities to learn and play. Sometimes it’s just enough to be there with them, to let them know that you care. The main thing they need from us is our love.

When they’re all grown up, their main memory of childhood will be how loved they felt, or didn’t feel. So if you’re having one of those days when you feel like you have nothing in you, just give your child a hug, sit with her and listen to whatever she has to say, let her know you love her. If you’ll do that, you will have given your child your greatest gift, your love.

From my parent’s heart to yours,

Joy

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Joy Goodman is a mom whose mission is to encourage parents and to celebrate joys of being a parent.