Ten Things Children Love—and How Parents Can Make It Up to Them: A Summary
By Gotname Bitrus-Ibrahim
There is something beautiful about watching a child become excited over the simplest things. Sometimes it is not the expensive toy, the fancy birthday party, or the latest gadget. Sometimes, it is simply having Mum sit beside them at bedtime, Dad listening to a story they have told three times already, or having someone say, “I am proud of you.”
As parents, we often love our children deeply, but sometimes life gets in the way of expressing that love in the language they understand. Work becomes demanding. Bills need to be paid. Church, ministry, school, responsibilities, traffic, household chores and countless other things compete for our attention.
And before we realise it, we may be physically present but emotionally unavailable.
I have come to believe that one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is intentional connection.
This is one of the reasons I wrote Emakame and Ikasi’s Adventures. I wanted to create a story that children could enjoy while also giving parents, teachers and caregivers opportunities to sit down with children and talk about the values that shape their lives—friendship, honesty, courage, kindness and making good choices.
As I thought about children and what makes them feel loved, I realised that there are certain things they genuinely enjoy and deeply value.
1. Being listened to – Children want their thoughts, stories and feelings to matter. Parents can show love by putting down their phones, paying attention and listening without rushing.
2. Adventures – Children love exploring and discovering new things. Parents can create simple adventures through walks, cooking, building, reading or visiting new places without spending much money.
3. Stories – Stories help children learn about honesty, courage, kindness, friendship and responsibility. Reading together can also create meaningful conversations between parents and children.
4. Play – Play develops creativity, communication, cooperation and problem-solving. Parents should make time to play with their children and enter their world.
5. Encouragement – Children need correction, but they also need affirmation. Words such as “I am proud of you,” “You can do it,” and “Thank you for telling the truth” can strengthen their confidence.
6. Friendship – Children are learning how to relate to others. Parents can guide them by discussing their friendships, teaching forgiveness and kindness, and modelling healthy relationships.
7. Appreciation – Children need to feel seen and valued beyond their academic achievements or good behaviour. Parents should notice their efforts, thank them, celebrate progress and express affection.
8. Trust – Age-appropriate responsibilities help children feel capable and teach them independence. Parents should allow children to contribute, make safe mistakes and learn responsibility.
9. Quality time – Being physically present is not the same as being emotionally present. Reading, praying, eating, walking and talking together can create meaningful connections.
10. Knowing they are loved – Above everything, children need to hear, see and experience love. Parents are encouraged to remind their children that mistakes do not diminish their worth.
One of my greatest desires in writing Emakame and Ikasi’s Adventures was to create more than just another children’s story. I wanted to create moments where parents and children could laugh together, learn together, ask questions together, and grow together.
Books have a unique way of opening conversations that ordinary daily routines sometimes miss.
If you haven’t yet added Emakame and Ikasi’s Adventures to your child’s bookshelf, this is a wonderful opportunity. Whether for bedtime reading, classroom discussions, Sunday School, family devotions, birthdays, libraries, or long trips, it’s a story that entertains while planting timeless values of friendship, honesty, courage, and kindness.
And to every parent, teacher, Sunday School leader, school, and family who has already purchased a copy—thank you. Your support means more than you know. By choosing this book, you’re investing not only in literacy but also in raising children with strong character and godly values. I truly appreciate every purchase, every recommendation, every shared post, and every encouraging message.
Together, we can place more meaningful stories into the hands and hearts of our children—one adventure at a time.
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