From the time my daughter started talking, stars have always played a special part in our life. She asked me an impossible question... "Mom, how much do you love me?" I searched for an answer...How can a parent possibly put those feelings into words?

We were outside, and looking up at the sky while trying to think of the right way to answer, I found myself staring at a brilliantly starry night. And my answer came to me... "Sweetie, I love you more than all the stars in the sky!" She quickly gazed up at the beautiful glitter above, and I could see immediately how satisfied she was with my answer.

In recent years, we have repeated this conversation many times - whenever the night sky cooperates, and even on cloudy days if she seems to need a reminder. She also has started to respond with her own ideas... she told me recently that she loves me more than all the trees in the world, and also the water in the ocean.

In today's world, parents are rushing through each and every day, driving back and forth, going to work, going to school, attending sporting events, going on errands, cleaning the house, and an ongoing list of other activities that keep us busy. We tell ourselves that we are doing most of it for our families, for our children. But what they need most of all from us is to know that we care, to be reminded. Take the time to do that - right now!

Some ideas to help you get started right away:
- Print out certificates and awards to personalize and give to your daughter, such as the ones available here:
http://www.raisingadaughter.com/free/ - Put "love notes" in your child's lunch box
- Send your child an email love-note
- Make a "date" just for the two of you each week, and spend that time focusing on only your child.
- Give your child a homemade coupon for ice-cream and a movie at home just for the two of you.
- Make your child's favorite meal or dessert.
- Send your child a letter in the mail.
- Frame your child's artwork and hang it for a week where everyone can see it.

And some great sources for other ideas & inspiration:
- Ten Ways To Show Love For Your Child This Valentine's Day
http://www.aap.org/advocacy/archives/febval.htm - Ten Ways To Show Your Love For Your Kids Today
http://wv.essortment.com/loveforkidsch_pza.htm - Book: "2002 Ways To Show Your Kids You Love Them" (ISBN:0740704842)
- Book: "Little Ways To Say I Love You" (ISBN:0312072376)
- Say I Love You To Your Child
http://www.mochasofa.ca/family/program/howto/02160103.asp - Little Love Letters
http://www.littleloveletters.com/
Get creative or keep it simple - it's really up to you. Just be sure that you take the time out of each and every day to remind your children how much they mean to you. They could never hear it too much!

As you are going about the hustle of your everyday life, just remember this saying...
"A hundred years from now ...it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a CHILD..."

©