Ways to tell kids 'I love you'

Let your children know they're your heroes.

Reward and praise them for good effort, not just results. Remind them that a winner never stops trying.

Turn everyday accomplishments into celebrations. Make a special dinner - with your child as the guest of honor - and toast the loss of a tooth; making the soccer team; getting an A on a history paper, etc.

Teach your children to think positive by being positive. Instead of noting how dirty they are when they come in for dinner, say, "Looks like you had a great time!"

Read "just one more book" even if it's late and you're tired. And don't forget to read to older children who already know how to read themselves. It's a great opportunity to snuggle.

Get out your childrens' baby books and tell them stories about their beginnings.

If you leave the house before your children are awake, leave a trail of Post-its with lipstick kisses leading to a goodbye note.

Spend one-on-one time with each of your children so they know they're special.

Let your children choose their own clothes. It shows you respect their decision-making ability.

Besides, everyone will know you didn't dress them - you'd never mix plaid and stripes!

Get messy with your kids. Climb in that sandbox, dip your hands in the fingerpaints and mush up that clay.

Get to know your child's schedule, friends and teachers so you can ask "Did you and Sam sit together at lunch today?" or "What did Mr. Rogers sing in music class?" instead of simply, "What did you do today?"

Hang out together. You don't always have to do something; just being together in the same room is often enough to open lines of communication.

Teach your children to play jacks, use a yo-yo, knit, or do something you loved as a child.

Let your children put on their boots and jump in the puddles you usually tell them to avoid.

Really listen to your children when they talk. Put down your newspaper, turn off the TV and look them in the eye.

Cut the edges off their sandwiches.

Slip little love notes, jokes, poems and words of encouragement into your children's lunchboxes just to let them know you're thinking about them. (My Favorite)

Let your children overhear you complimenting them to someone else.

Wear the "jewels" your children make for you and display their artwork proudly in a special, visible place.

Try not to do all the things your parents did that you vowed never to do to your children.

When your child makes a mistake, instead of saying, "I told you so," try asking "What lesson can you learn from this?"

Create a secret word, sign or gesture of affection that only you and your child share.

Give your children a true, lifelong gift: roots and wings. If they push for independence, take it as the sign of a job well done.

Forget about yesterday. Start each day fresh. It's a new opportunity to have a better relationship with your children and to fall in love with them all over again.

Hug them, kiss them and say "I love you" at least once a day. Kids thrive on it and it's a daily fix we all need no matter what our age!