Creative ideas to show how much you care on Valentine’s Day and throughout the year
“Let me love you a little more before you’re not little anymore.” – Michelle Thevenot
During this time of year, we are reminded to show our love for one another by celebrating Valentine’s Day. But we need to continue showing love to our kids throughout the year. While elaborate displays of generosity and kindness are great, it is the little, everyday actions that matter the most.
In the book The 5 Love Languages of Children, author Gary Chapman explains that we all have a primary “love language”; and as parents, ours may differ from our children’s. By discovering what speaks to our children, we are able to better show them our love. According to Chapman, the five love languages include words of affirmation, acts of service, affection, quality time, and gifts. As you consider creative ways to show your children love, think about which “language” speaks to them the most. Is it quality time? If so, play a board game or basketball game together. Is it words of affirmation? You could write a sweet note for your children to find in their lunchbox. Is it acts of service? Perhaps bring your son or daughter a refreshing drink, just because. When we take the time to discover what speaks to our children’s hearts, it becomes less of a struggle to figure out how to show them our love.
April Risinger, Maui mother of three, shared that she tries to carve out one-on-one time with each child. “Playing chess or watching an old favorite movie with my 8-year-old while the babies nap, and baking cookies with my toddler and playing with the bubble machine with my baby, are some of the ways I spend time with them individually.”
Showing love beyond Valentine’s Day with consistent intentions will make a huge impact in your children’s lives.
