4 Things That Show You Have Love for Children

How many times a day do you tell your child you love them? 50? 100? 1000? No matter how many times we tell them, and no matter if they know it already or not, there are always things we can do to remind them.

Eye Contact

I know. It sounds so simple. The truth is that it’s so easy to forget about. How many times have you been cooking dinner or writing an email and your child has asked you a question? I’m willing to bet it’s quite often. The natural reflex is to answer while continuing your task, but try this instead; Do your best to take a pause from whatever you are doing to give your child your full attention at that moment. Now that may not seem like it’s that important, but I promise it will make a difference. Eye contact helps them focus on what you are saying and giving them your undivided attention will make them feel as important as they are. Engaging with them like this will help them to remember that you care about what they have to say. Next time they come to you, try to focus on eye contact. It will make a world of difference.

Hold Their Hand

I’m sure you already do this one. It’s an instinct as a parent to keep them close, but do you realize how important it is? Holding their hand in public reminds them that you are a secure “home base”. It helps them form secure attachments which are healthier for development. If something makes them uneasy they are more likely to return to you for comfort. All physical touch is important to show you love them, but holding their hand is an easy way to make them feel safe and make sure they know that you are there for them.

Engage in Their Form of Play

As someone who grew up with younger siblings, I didn’t always want to play with them the way that they wanted me to. I tried to persuade them to play like I wanted to instead, making up rules on the spot to make sure I got what I wanted. Here’s the thing; child-initiated play is important for their development! Letting a child guide their play experiences helps to increase their natural curiosity of the world around them, which in turn, helps them to learn! Let them make the rules, the characters, and the storyline (it helps to build their language skills). You are simply there to participate. It will make them feel connected to you to see that you are willing to listen to and learn from them about what they like to do.

Make Time for Them

Whether it’s story-time at night or eating breakfast with them in the morning, make the time. Spending intentional time with your child makes a difference. It helps you connect beyond just doing daily tasks together. Ask them questions, teach them something new, find out what they want to do with you! I used to get “date days” with my parents. My dad and I went to the botanical gardens and my mom and I went to the bookstore. It showed me that they cared enough to focus on making me feel loved. Try it! If you want a fun idea, try this Valentine’s Day craft! It will show them you love them in more ways than one.

Whatever ways you choose to show your child love are important. All of them. These 4 ideas are just a starting point! If you get stuck on what you can do to make your child feel more loved, ask them, “Is there anything else I can do to show you that I love you?”. Any little thing you do may make a difference.