Life

Courtesy of Clorox
5 Subtle Ways You're Already Showing Your Family You Care For Them

by Kate Brierley

In those precious first moments when you learn you’re becoming a parent, your mind wanders to the milestones that family memories are made of. Birthday parties! First steps! Family trips! Oh, the possibilities.

Then in those first weeks when your dreams of parenthood are realized, you're consumed by nurturing and tending to this little human who trusts you implicitly. From constant feedings to maintaining any semblance of a sleep schedule, you’re both busy figuring each other out.

But in the end, it’s those in-between moments that keep the ship afloat. It’s the day-to-day, behind the scenes, routine things that build a lasting relationship with your loved ones. You’re the ultimate caretaker, keeping everyone happy and healthy, all while keeping love at the center of your home.

In these strange and often overwhelming times, your home may double as an office, classroom, daycare, or gym. When you’re feeling stretched thin, a little reassurance can go a long way, and that's why Romper teamed up with Clorox to remind you that it's the littlest actions that make the biggest impact. Read on and remember everything that you're doing right.

1

Maintaining Some Normalcy

Courtesy of Clorox

As parents, we have the inherent ability to love our little ones in exactly the ways that they need and rely on — and like only we can. So remember that, and use it as your superpower!

Sing that lullaby before bedtime that you’ve sung as far back as they can remember. Play those bath time games that always make them smile. Wrap them in a favorite cozy blanket, and stop to steal an extra squeeze or cuddle, knowing that it contains enough strength to instantly realign them. You’ve got all the love in you that they need, and you may not realize it, but every time you show it, the safer and more loved they feel.

2

Keeping High-Touch Areas Squeaky Clean

Let’s be real: Every area of the house can pretty well be considered a high-touch area at this point, since we’re all spending more time than ever at home. From countertops to toilet bowls to play areas, use your Clorox® Clean-up® Cleaner + Bleach to clean and disinfect these surfaces. It kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, so it will provide the clean space you want to provide to those you love. Every effort you make to keep your home germ-free means keeping it worry-free, and showing love and care to your entire crew.

3

Reminding Them To Mask Up

This one may feel like more of a habit or chore than an act of love, but the truth is, it’s about the kindest thing you can do for your loved ones — not to mention for total strangers.

Making sure everyone in your family not only has clean, well-fitting masks at the ready, but that they’re confident rocking them in shared, public spaces is about being proactive and protective. And when you wear yours without complaint, you’re leading the way and setting the expectation that they will do the same.

4

Fueling Their Tanks

Courtesy of Clorox

Even though they might assume it does, fresh, healthy food options don’t just appear in your kitchen — and meals don’t make themselves. (If only!)

The title of “chef” is yet another hat you wear, and you wear it well. Every time you grocery shop and feed your family, you’re nourishing them in one of the most basic and essential ways. Bonus points for making time to sit, connect, and enjoy together instead of eating on the run, so you can feed them in an entirely different way.

5

Staying Positive

Your crew picks up on your energy and is more than likely to emulate it. The nerve-wracking nature of the pandemic is undeniable, and it’s not something that kids are immune to, even if they don't follow the news or have all the details.

Every time you put a smile on your face when you’re feeling a little unsure — every time you act just a bit braver than you feel — you’re leading the way without even realizing it. Your positivity is a subtle reminder that things may not look the same, but they’re going to be alright.

6

This post is sponsored by Clorox.