As a parent, whether that’s biological, adoptive, or foster, it is your job to keep your children feeling as safe and secure as possible. They need to have the confidence that someone is there for them, no matter what, and they deserve to have a childhood full of joy, laughter, and love; there will be time enough to worry and problems when they’re older. So here are some great – easy – ways to make your kids feel safe.

Make Time For Them

To be completely safe and secure, a child needs to know that you are going to be around. That means spending time with them. It needs, of course, to be quality time, and you need to be entirely present. So ditch the cell phone and the work worries and forget about the grocery store or getting the car serviced – these jobs can wait, but making a child smile and feel safe needs to be done as often as possible.

Show Them Affection

Children need affection, and it is often easier than you might think to give it. There doesn’t need to be a big production; there doesn’t need to be any planning. Perhaps a quick hug, a gentle kiss on the forehead, just holding hands when you are walking together; these actions are often all that is needed to show that you love and cherish your little ones. A child who knows he or she is loved often thrives and develops faster than one who is never shown any affection.

Give Them Praise

Children need to be praised when they do something right or accomplish something wonderful. Praising a child gives them better self-esteem and self-confidence, and it makes them feel good about themselves so that they continue to do praiseworthy things. Just a few simple words of encouragement is enough to help them on their way.

Be Your Best

A parent who is not looking after their own health and well-being can’t give a child a safe and secure life. Even if you think you are hiding any health issues from your children it’s likely they will know that something is wrong, even if they don’t know exactly what. It’s far better to seek treatment from a doctor, a therapist, or at addiction treatment centers and then be well enough to be there for your child as the best person you can be.

Listen

It’s such a simple thing, but really listening to a child will always make them feel safe and happy. Children always have a lot to say, and there will always be something new and exciting that they want – and need –  to tell you about. It may not mean much to you, but it’s important to them, so it’s essential you listen. If you can ensure that your children feel happy telling you about the little things, then they will feel safe and secure enough to tell you about the bigger things too.

Laugh and Have Fun

Playing and joking with your children and really laughing at the funny things everyone is doing can help a child feel happy and secure. You can be as silly as you need to be – no one will judge you and your children really will love you for it.