Hello my friends!! Many of you are getting ready to start school, but here in Tennessee, school has been in session for two weeks. I know – CRAZY! So for us, the fun has begun. I think starting school is a mixed bag for most kids. It never seems to be the easiest transition for everyone. Some of my kids have not had the best beginning and have struggled for different reasons. Not everything has been school related. Some of it is just normal icky things that life throws your way. But a struggle is still a struggle. Needless to say, it’s been a tough couple of weeks. Watching them struggle has reminded me of the challenge of being a mom.
One of the hardest things about being a mom is knowing that we can’t fix EVERYTHING. We have to watch our kids face challenges, we see them struggle to make sense of things, we see their heartaches, and there’s only so much we can do. But, the key is that there ARE some things we can do. As a mom, those things change as my kids change. I’m always adapting to who they are and where they are in life. I do have some ‘tried and trues’ ways to cheer up kids that have worked no matter how old they are. And I think they work because they remind my kids that they are loved, that I am aware of their challenges, that I care… and then on top of that, they get something fun. Because the life of a mom is crazy…I tend to go with things that are quick and easy!
This week, as I was thinking about my kids, I knew it was time for a “Sweet Treat Hunt”.
What is a “Sweet Treat Hunt?” It’s a fun tradition we have in our home when I need a fun way to help a child who is struggling. Although all of my kids probably could use this, I decided to start with my sweet girl who started high school. It’s been a rough transition. So, I got some special little treats and put them in our favorite little cupcake. It’s not very big, so it’s not hard to fill. And then I hide it. At some point, I let her know that she has a “Sweet Treat Hunt” to go on. On this particular day, I watched as her face lit up and she got busy looking for the cupcake. There wasn’t anything spectacular in her cupcake, but you would never have known that by the look on her face.
I know my cupcake holds no magical powers, but her knowing that I care sure does! As moms we may not be able to fix everything, but we can love them and we can take the time to let them know it.
**I found my cupcake at a local discount store similar to Ross or Marshall’s.**
Andrea D. says
I really like the idea of the sweet treat. I have three small children who would love that idea, especially my first grader and kindergartener. Thanks for the chance to enter.
Jamy says
So cute! I have a special treat for them if they are sad. Usually try to have a ‘healthy-ish’ snack, but it’s always ice cream or chocolate on those hard days. 😉
Crystal Bergman says
oh Veronica you do have some of the best ideas! I am so blessed to know you!
Katie says
I have a daughter that loves to do art. When she is feeling sad or upset I just have to say do you want to go draw with me and she is immediately excited and forgets about her problem. Love this idea above too.
Heather Nelson says
In always try to cheer my kids up with a date just the 2 of, a little one on one time always helps!!!
Cindy Brickley says
I like to get them to help in the kitchen making some fun treat whether it is Jello Jiggler’s or cupcakes with bright colors. That always seemed to cheer them up and they got to eat it afterwards.
Britney says
I love this idea! Sometimes I hide little love notes for them when I can tell they need a little pick me up — sometimes in their lunch, or under their pillow, or in the bathroom cupboard by their toothbrush. I completely agree with your sentiments….knowing their mom cares and loves them goes a long way!
Cheryl B says
What a sweet idea… I’m going to try it next time someone needs distraction from a bad day. My cheer-up is to sing or hum the song “You Are My Sunshine”. She almost always ends up singing along with me or at least manages a smile.
heather bell says
Daily lunch box note. I get in trouble when I don’t!! And secret snuggle time after they are already in bed and almost asleep.=)
Becky B says
I LOVE this idea! Every week we do Daddy or Mommy Dates. it’s where one kid gets to go on a date with mom or dad for an hour. They get to pick what they want to do. It’s a way to make sure we connect with each child. We read in a book that 15 minutes a day that you spend one on one time with a child really helps to connect with each other and then you also have more influence over them. The kids look forward to this time and love it!
Christina Giehl says
Thank you for the opportunity to win!! When my kids are feeling down, we bake cupcakes. Something sweet seems to always cheer anyone up!
Wendi says
Sweet treats always cheer my boys up! My oldest starts Kindergarten tomorrow and I am dreading it for a lot of reasons, but I also look forward to doing things like leaving notes in their lunch box and having surprises waiting for them when they get home.
Karen L says
Oh that is so cute!
I would fill mine with tokens that would feature “rewards good for”. . . one day of . . .skipping making your bed, feeding the pets, empty the trash, etc.
Judi says
I love leaving messages of love and encouragement in their lunch or under their pillow.
Natalie says
What a cute idea! You are a great mom. I leave little notes saying what I love about my son. He is older now, but always loves a sweet treat also!
Connie says
i mail them a note…REAL mail. for no reason other than to say “Jo Muddah loves you!!!”
Sharon says
I LOVE this idea! So cute.
As for ways to cheer up my little guy, face time. Just sitting with him doing what he wants (usually Legos)
sandratidytime says
I love this idea! What a fantastic way to show love to your kids 🙂
Dara says
when I was a kid I was having a hard time with things and my mom hid hershey’s kisses around the house for me to find. I know it’s similar to your idea but I remember it well so I thought I’d share it!
Katie says
I go with good, old-fashioned snuggles with my kids when they are sad. They’re still little, so luckily so far there hasn’t been anything wrong that a little special attention from Mom can’t fix! Love the idea of a cupcake hunt though!
Heather B says
I have four children and I just try to spend at least a half hour with each of them alone each day just so they know they are each important.
sara baldwin says
This is a great idea, thanks for sharing, and thanks for the chance to win! I know my 2 and 4 year old boys will love this.
KaySue says
I really like your idea of a Sweet Treat Hunt for sour days. As we expand our family and the children grow older, this would be a great way to show them that they are special.
Kathryn says
Thank you! This is a small answer to a prayer with one of my children! The thing I love about this the most is, it’s fast, cheap and can be implemented right away! Very little prep work! I could do this as soon as I realize someone needs it!! Seriously, thank you, I love it! Not full of ideas, but we did have all the kids write little notes about another child and decorate his room for his bday! He left them up for over 6 months! Was very touched by his siblings words!