The Bear Hug

When dealing my kids, I have found one of the most effective ways to engage them is to just lay down on the floor.  As the kids walk by I will grab them and hold them close to me in my classic bear hug.

Kara was my first victim tonight who I grabbed and held in the bear hug.  As I was holding her she was screaming with delight and then she said, "Dad, your beard is on my face."

I really don't know what a beard on my face feels like; however, I suspect it feels a little uncomfortable but I held her tightly.  She then said, "Dad, I love it when you hold me like this."

As she continues to grow up I find that she appreciates me more and more as her Dad.  Her eyes light up and she races to grab my hand whenever we go anywhere.

I never hold them for too long and I gave her a little room to wiggle out of my hold.  I then grabbed Jordan and gave him the bear hug.  With Jordan though, I made my fingers into a spider and crawled them up his belly.  He laughed and laughed with glee.

Kara then said, "Dad, I love it when you tickle me too."

My hand didn't hesitate to walk over to her belly and give her a wiggle move.  Kara and Jordan were laughing with delight and enjoying spending time with their Dad.

Brody had been sitting on the couch and I wanted to make sure that he felt my love.  When he got up, I stood up and followed him into his room.  As he was walking I grabbed him and threw his legs up in the air.  I then set him down on the carpet and proceeded to give him a bear hug too.  I could tell he loved it just as much as the other two.

As I released him I said, "Brody, you know I love you too."  I could see his appreciation of me in his eyes and that is a precious thing for a Dad to enjoy.