My husband recently initiated what has quickly become a favorite (albeit short-term) tradition around here: Three Things. Every night, when we tuck the kids into bed, we share three things we liked about each of them. Then after they're in bed, Chad and I share three things we appreciate about each other. Sometimes they're specific to the day's events, and sometimes they're just general things we like or appreciate for the day.
In the past week or so, both my son (age 8) and daughter (age 5) have started adding their own "Three Things" to the nighttime ritual, sharing things they like about us, too. (We share these things privately - just one kid and one parent at a time.)
The kids have really liked this. They look forward to our nightly Three Things. Our daughter has even gotten teary-eyed when she had to go to bed when I wasn't home recently. The next morning, she needed her Three Things bright and early.
Anyway, tonight, after I shared my Three Things with my sweet little girl, she shared her Three Things about me:
- "I like that you love me."
- "That you fill my heart in." (She made a little heart with her hands. Melt my heart.)
- "That you fill my bucket." (Something the guidance counselor at her school has been teaching the kids this week -- to be "bucket-fillers" instead of dipping people's buckets.)
I gave her a huge hug. She made my day.
And then there's my all-boy son. After giving him his Three Things for the day, he took my hand and pulled my face close to his. I thought he was going to kiss me on the cheek, although that would admittedly have been a rare occurrence on its own. Nope. He pulled me in, put his face next to mine...and belched in my ear.
I really like this idea especially sharing with Chad, since Matt and I can rarely have a conversation at dinner without interruption. Of course had to laugh at the belching......boys....I see what I have to look forward to! Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer | January 28, 2011 at 01:16 PM
It does go a long way, Jennifer, to make a point to say positive things to each other! We have needed that recently!
Posted by: Corie | January 28, 2011 at 02:14 PM
LOL...I am cracking up at G. That is true love for a son to belch in his mom's ear. Be glad it didn't come out the other end...that would probably be Dylan's gift of love to me (he's a lovely gas-passer :)). All kidding aside...this is an awesome idea, Cor. Love it. Such a simple concept that helps us refocus on what's really important at the end of each day.
Posted by: Kelly | March 18, 2011 at 05:03 PM