Sometimes in our busy lives we forget to show how much we love our children. Here are some ways to express your love in a language your toddler knows:
Ways to say, “I love you”
- Make saying, “I love you” an unconditional and routine part of your day. Say “I love you” after diapering, at nap and bedtime, etc.
- Make your expression of love specific too. Make comments like, “I love the way you laugh,” or “One of the reasons I love you is because you sing with me.”
- Use words like “I’m sorry”, “please” and “thank you”.
Ways to show your love
- Respond promptly when your child is unhappy. Give him a hug and assure him of your affection while talking about his feelings.
- Cuddle regularly. Physical touch is a powerful conveyor of love. Hold your child while he has a drink or watches a television program.
- Spend time alone with your child doing something that he loves.
- Share what you love with your child. Enriching activities like going to a ballgame or a zoo communicate that you want your child to love what you love.
- Provide your child with lots of opportunities to get to know other children and adults. Receiving love and acceptance from others is important too.
- Help your child discover what he does well. Finding a child’s areas of giftedness build his self esteem and capacity to love others.
Ways to undermine your love
- Yelling at your child or others.
- Spanking your child.
- Making belittling comments and over using sarcasm.
By AnneOxenreider
