How to Show Children Love on Valentine’s Day
Children require love in order to thrive and should know they are an essential member of the family.
Children express their affection in many different ways, so here are five practical strategies you can use to show them affection. Children each have their own distinct way of showing affection that speaks directly to them.
1. Say “I love you” often
Children often struggle to know if they’re being loved enough, which has been especially challenging during this year of pandemics. Valentine’s Day provides the ideal opportunity to check in and make sure their little ones feel secure in knowing that someone cares for them and values their opinions.
Your children can feel your love by hearing you say “I love you” often – be it when leaving for school or bedtime – it is essential that they know it is genuine and not forced. Additionally, small gestures of affection such as stopping whatever you are doing when they speak and getting down on their level to listen will show your affection and make them feel heard; this will make them feel important and that their opinion matters to you!
Utilizing the five love languages (acts of service, quality time, physical touch and gift giving/receiving) is another way to show your child you care. For instance, helping with difficult tasks, taking them out for activities they enjoy or giving long lingering hugs or kisses are all effective means of showing that love.
Unconditional love helps children understand their innate worth and build self-esteem, as well as allowing them to explore who they are without fear of judgment from parents or others. Children who receive unconditional love from their parents tend to grow into happier adults themselves – so be their rock as they navigate their challenges and strive to become the person God intended them to become!
2. Be present
Children sometimes appreciate you showing that you care by simply being present – this could include setting down your phone during family time, playing a game together or just cuddling on the sofa – showing that you love and are interested in what their thoughts have to say. Being there shows that love exists between parent and child – you can show this by being there!
Make an effort to show your kids that you value them by participating in activities you both enjoy together and showing that you value their presence in your life. Go out together for a walk in the park, host an evening wrestling match or just have some fun together; doing this will foster their sense of security and trust while encouraging healthy attachment to you as a parent.
When your child acts out or displays bad behavior, try not to take it personally. Once you’ve calmed yourself down, a simple hug, cuddle, pat or secret nod of affection could show them they are loved and valued.
Acknowledging and applauding your child’s unique qualities and individual strengths is an effective way to show them you value them as individuals, which will in turn boost their self-esteem and build an excellent foundation for their future success.
Apologizing to your child when you make mistakes is a powerful act of love. An apology could take the form of saying just one sentence like, “I’m sorry” or it could involve explaining why and how yelling at them occurred and how you plan to change in future interactions. In either case, teaching them that mistakes are okay shows they know they still matter even when angry.
3. Give them attention
Kids of all ages thrive when receiving praise and affirmation, or when receiving thoughtful gifts or spending quality time with their parent(s).
Children who feel loved can develop healthy relationships throughout their lives – they will trust and form close bonds with friends, family members and others they meet.
Child birth marks the start of a life-long process of secure attachment development – this early bonding will enable children to create lasting, loving relationships as adults.
If a child is acting out or behaving inappropriately, rather than responding with negative attention (yelling at them or punishing them), try giving positive attention when they calm down or obey an instruction. This will reinforce that positive behaviors are valued and worthy of time investment.
Whenever you have some time alone with your child, take some time out and read them a book together. Let them pick any book they like, then discuss it together as you make your way through its story. Your undivided attention may prove very exciting to them! You could also ask about their day or share about yours; this way they’ll feel connected with you and assured they can talk anytime!
4. Say “It’s ok”
As the parent of children, you understand the significance of showing them love in meaningful ways. But it can be challenging knowing how best to show this affection as they age and become more independent. Discovering their love languages such as words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time and gifts may help you better express this affectionate sentiment.
By speaking in their love language, you can show them they are valued and loved despite making mistakes or breaking rules. This will help them feel secure even during difficult times while teaching them self-reliance and not relying on others for all of their needs.
When your child throws their sister’s doll at the wall, instead of reacting negatively you should help them work through their emotions by discussing why anger, frustration and sadness are natural human feelings but shouldn’t lead to acts that hurt others or property.
If they tell you they need a hug after a fight with their sibling, let them know you’re always here for them and will always listen. Even if their behavior displeases you, telling them you still love them can help maintain healthy perspectives of family, marriage, and love for years to come.
No matter their age, these ways to show love will help ensure they build a secure emotional foundation throughout their development. They will be better prepared to navigate the trials of adolescence if their love does not depend on actions or behaviors from them alone.
5. Make them feel special
Children feel loved when they’re made to feel special. Doing something just for them – such as giving an unexpected “just because” present or taking them on an outing they have been wanting to take part in – makes them feel valued. Recognizing their gifts and talents also contributes greatly towards this process, whether by hanging their artwork on your wall, writing them a letter of affirmation to express how much their presence means or sharing how their presence has changed your life.
How Can You Make Someone Feel Special? Another way of making them feel special is giving them a treat – such as dessert before dinner, or allowing them to select the movie for family film night. Such treats appeal to their love language of physical touch and affection: this could include hugging them tightly, holding hands together or kissing them on the cheek – these acts help show that you truly care! Give a bear hug before bedtime to show that your affection.
Some children feel loved when their parents show them support in their pursuits and passions, such as attending ballet concerts, plays they’ve worked on for months or soccer games they practice hard for. It also shows them their opinions matter by listening and taking advice; being their biggest fan even when mistakes or poor performances occur is equally essential to feeling loved and valued by one’s parent(s).
Show your children you care by setting aside some time each day to discuss or read a story together, or even surprising them by forgoing their afternoon activities and taking them ice-skating, to the beach or just out for a stroll through a park instead.
