If you are like me, you’re always looking for ways to do something just a little bit better or more efficiently.  One of the biggest areas where we all can work to improve is building stronger relationships with our kids.  Putting in the time with your kids when they are younger will help develop strong bonds and connection, which tends to keep them out of trouble.

Here are a few ideas to kick start you for the New Year.

Read Together

No matter what the age of your child you can read together.  Obviously with toddlers, they enjoy picture books while sitting on your lap – but even as your kids get older this time can be tweaked just a bit and still be one of purpose!  Pick a fun family book to read together, like something from the Narnia series, Alice in Wonderland or Sherlock Holmes.  Read it after dinner, before bed or just pick a time to snuggle up and read a few chapters.  You can switch off reading or have just one of you do the reading.

When your child gets even older, try reading a book together, but separately – get two copies of a book and the pick a time each week to get together to talk about what you read.  I did this with my son when he was 12 and it was a great hit!  He knew he got special time with me, and we were both learning more about each other in the process.

Cook Together

What mom doesn’t need some help in the kitchen?  I know, sometimes getting our kids into the kitchen makes twice as much work – I get it!  What you may not realize is the connection and feeling of importance that your child will receive when you include them in this task.  With young children have them pick the vegetable for dinner and help you prepare it, they will much more likely to eat it if they helped prepare it.  With older children, introduce them to cooking by having them work alongside you as you prepare a meal.  As they progress, have them be responsible for a dinner once a month to hone their cooking skills.  Not only will this help you out, but it gives them a life skill that is no longer taught in school!

Go For the Tuck

No matter how old your kids get, I can almost guarantee they still want to be tucked in at night.  I thought my kids had outgrown this long ago, but it makes my heart feel all warm when my 15 year old asks me to do this.  I sometimes offer, but often times I am asked.  The tuck-in time provides uninterrupted time for your child to share his day in private.  Perhaps there were things that happened they just want to share with you, not with everyone around the dinner table.  Don’t make the mistake like I did and assume your child is ‘too big’ for a nightly tuck-in.

Music

This one came to me just the other day – as my 15 year old asked me if I wanted to take the CD’s he had just ordered and listen to them.  Let me preface this by saying I am fully aware with what my kids purchase and listen to, but I rarely take the time to listen to “their” choice of music – rather, I insist on playing my music.  Can you imagine the look on your child’s face when you allow them to choose the radio station (within limits!) or play their favorite CD in the car??  I realized that it is not at all really about the music, it is about taking an interest in what they like and who they are.  When your child feels connected and appreciated at home, they will be less likely to seek that elsewhere.

Nickname

My kids still love that I call them by their treasured nicknames that were given to them when they were very small.  This is such a big deal that when I sneak it in during daily conversation now, it makes them stop in their tracks and smile.  It is like our little “secret” another way to say, “I love you.”  When someone is made to feel special it always comes back with positive results!

Post written by Susan Heid…

Susan Heid is the mom behind The Confident Mom where she loves inspiring  moms to make small changes managing their home and family life giving them more time, less stress and stronger family relationships! She enthusiastically wears the hat of mom, step-mom and foster mom to 4 awesome kids – ages 19, 15, 11 and 2 years; is married to her very own prince charming, loves coffee, cloudy days, and does think the bluest skies you’ve ever seen are in Seattle.  Her FREE 5 part mini series: “The Opening Act” is helping moms worldwide become the calm mom they want to be!  Join the community of moms on Facebook or find her @ConfidentMom on Twitter.

Surprise mom this year with the perfect holiday gift!

Trading Cradles guest bloggers Nikki Kinzer and Susan Heid have put together 10 of their favorite ideas to make any mom smile this Holiday Season!

Overnight Getaway
Every mom I know of would love an evening away!  Why not search through Priceline, Groupon or Living Social to find the perfect deal for your budget and surprise her with a night away.  She will have a cozy room all to herself, and the best part is she doesn’t have to make the bed!

Spa Day
What mom doesn’t want a little pampering at the spa?  You are sure to make her smile with a little guilt free time for herself.  Purchase a massage, pedicure, or manicure at a local spa.

Free Babysitting
If you are on a budget and looking to give a gift of time, offer free babysitting!  This is a great gift for another mom!  Pick a time where you can sit for the kids and give her time to do whatever she wants to do!

Photo Coffee Mug
I love my Starbucks photo collage tumbler mug my husband made for me.  It is full of family pictures and is a great conversation starter when I am out.  Here is a site that has a few designer templates to use and some instructions:  http://awe.tc/vQnJWx

There are instructions for creating the mug included, but these provide a more comprehensive idea list.

Great Hand Lotion
There is nothing worse than dry and chapped hands, but with all our everyday tasks our hands take a beating.  Having some good hand cream is a lifesaver.  Two of my favorites are:  Bath & Body Works True Blue Spa Shea Cashmere & Silk Hand Cream and Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream.

Inspirational Décor
Moms need encouragement – plain and simple.  Often times just being reminded of a favorite quote or scripture can make the difference in the outcome of our day.  One of my favorite places to find great inspirational home décor is Red Letter Words.  I am sure you will find one that will make her smile the minute she unwraps it!

Table Topics
This fun conversation starter comes in different categories and is a great way to create conversation at the dinner table.  Our family has used Table Topics for years and it is interesting what you just might find out during the conversations that come about.  This is also a great gift to give others too.

Personalized Pottery
Show off your artistic side and take the kids to the pottery studio.  Find a local paint your own pottery store and be as creative as you like!  You can choose from coffee mugs, plates, bowls, figures, almost anything you can think of!  A plate with little hands can be treasured forever!

Professional Photo
Surprise mom with a professional photo of the kiddos!  You can get some great deals at some of the chain photo studios, or maybe just ask a friend with a nice camera to take some shots of the kids playing.  Put the photos in a nice frame and now you have a gift for mom that she was not expecting.

Movie Date
Surprise mom with a gift card to the movie’s.  Maybe it’s a date night with dad or a girl’s night out to watch the latest chick flick!  Put the gift card in a Christmas bag with some of her favorite candy!

Happy Holidays from TradingCradles.com, Nikki Kinzer from Take Control Organizing and Susan Heid of the Confident Mom.