In the world of parenting, it’s rare to come across a single phrase that can change your perspective entirely. One such phrase struck me deeply: “I love to watch you play.” This simple yet powerful statement came not from a famous philosopher or child development expert, but from kids themselves. As I’ve navigated my own parenting journey, I’ve learned that children often have the clearest understanding of what makes them feel valued.
In an article titled “What Makes a Nightmare Sports Parent and What Makes a Great One,” researchers Bruce E. Brown and Rob Miller shared insights gathered over decades. They asked college athletes about the words that brought them the most joy during their games. The resounding answer was the phrase, “I love to watch you play.” It became clear to me that I needed to incorporate this sentiment into my interactions with my children.
Reflecting on past experiences, I realized that while I often offered encouragement and feedback after their extracurricular activities—like swim meets or school performances—I rarely expressed the sheer joy I felt in simply watching them. As a naturally expressive person, it’s easy to get caught up in long explanations, but sometimes, less is more.
Not long after this revelation, my daughter, Mia, had a swim meet. As she dove into the water for her freestyle event, I felt a rush of emotions. I wasn’t crying because I expected her to win; I was overwhelmed with pride for her strength and health. After the meet, when we were alone in the locker room, I finally said, “I love to watch you swim.” This simple statement led to a heartwarming moment of connection between us.
A few days later, during her ukulele practice, Mia faced a big milestone: her instructor removed the colored dots that had guided her fingers for months. As she sang Taylor Swift’s “Ours,” I was once again moved to tears—not because of her skill, but because she was so happy and free. When I told her, “I love to watch you play your ukulele,” she beamed with joy, and I could sense the relief in her embrace.
This experience inspired me to adopt this mantra with my family, saying, “I love to watch you” whenever I felt that swell of pride. This simple phrase has since become a cornerstone of my parenting, allowing me to express my love without the pressure of lengthy praises.
In fact, I even began to extend this mantra beyond my children. One day, while watching my husband, Jake, lend a helping hand at a local charity event, I realized he deserved to hear similar words of appreciation. So I wrote him a note, filled with simple yet heartfelt observations about how I admire him as a father and partner.
The beauty of this approach is that it can be applied to many experiences—whether it’s watching your child navigate the monkey bars or lending a hand in a community project. These moments remind us of the importance of connection and gratitude in our relationships.
For more insights on family and home insemination, check out our other blog posts, like this one for valuable tips and resources. If you’re considering starting a family, this guide offers excellent information on home insemination options. And for those curious about the success rates of insemination procedures, WebMD provides reliable insights.
Ultimately, it’s about fostering a loving environment where our children feel seen and appreciated for who they are, simply by watching them do what they love.