14 Ways to Show Love to your Child

Valentine’s Day  is a great opportunity to express, share, celebrate and show LOVE that we feel for those that touch our lives, especially our children. This is why the American Academy of Pediatrics recently published 14 Ways to Show Love for Your Child This Valentine’s Day and Every Day.

Here are some quick tips (or just reminders!) to show your child some love:

1. Use plenty of positive words and avoid sarcasm around your child. Children have a difficult time understanding sarcasm.
2. Respond promptly and lovingly to your child. Make sure that you make yourself available even if the timing isn’t convenient for you.
3. Be a good example at home and in public – use words like “I’m sorry,” “please,” and “thank you.” This suggestion reminds me of the following anonymous quote I read, “children are great imitators. So give them something great to imitate.”
4. Be affectionate to your child when (s)he is in a bad mood. Let them calm down and feel better before you try to talk with them about their feelings.
5. It is very important to implement rewards and restrictions with children. These are appropriate disciplining methods that encourages your child to respect rules.
6. Spend quality time to your child, and do something that (s)he enjoys doing.
7. Dedicate family time on a regular basis and take turns on which family member chooses the activity for the entire family to share.
8. Having pets in the home offer children constant companionship and it enhances their attitude in general.
9. Encourage good food choices for your child and involve them in the food process. This will familiarize your child with food choices, planning meals, shopping for different ingredients, preparing the table and serving. Plus remember: Good food, good conversations.
10. As your child grows, you should be there to help refine their abilities and skills. Children need encouragement and instructions as they’re developing. The AAP recommend that you avoid TV in the first two years and start reading to your child at six months.
11. Implement regular preventive health care visits for your child. A child’s health depends on the care and guidance that are provided during their early years – provide nutritious food, encourage exercise, etc.
12. Help your child develop positive relationships with friends, siblings and members of the community.
13. One of the most important gifts that you can give your child is the gift of a healthy self-esteem. Provide steady support and encouragement so that (s)he can discover his/her strengths. A child needs for you to believe in them – to give them love, your time and praise their accomplishments.
14. And remember to say “I love you” to children of all ages!