5 Simple Ways to Say I Love You to a Child
Today's families are running constantly to jobs, school, activities and community affairs.
The members of the family may very well be together but not really communicating and sharing with one another.
These days, many families even find it difficult to sit down and eat a meal together.
Many families who attend my parenting classes admit they often pick up fast food on the way home rather than spend time preparing the meal together.
When the paper bag of burgers, tacos or pizzas hit the table, individuals grab a meal and retreat to their room or the television area.
Stop the Insanity When I was researching information for one of my books called "Kids, Chores And More" I was humbled when Dr.
Stephen Glenn of the Family Development Institute says that the average child over ten years of age (in a two parent home) has fourteen and a half minutes of direct interaction with his/her parents in a twenty-four hour period.
Twelve minutes of this communication is spent by the adults issuing warnings, threats, and working on things that have gone undone or need correction.
If you have been counting, that leaves about two minutes of "open time for kind, respectful conversation.
" Yikes!!! I was sure our family was much better, but guess what? We came in at even less one-on-one time per child.
We made a concentrated effort to have a family meeting each week, where everyone had a chance to share and to schedule quick I love you messages all day.
Here are 5 Simple Ways to Say I love You
Knowing that each person in the family is valued and cared for gives a sense of identity and security that will build a deep core of self confidence in everyone.
You can do it.
I have confidence in you.
The members of the family may very well be together but not really communicating and sharing with one another.
These days, many families even find it difficult to sit down and eat a meal together.
Many families who attend my parenting classes admit they often pick up fast food on the way home rather than spend time preparing the meal together.
When the paper bag of burgers, tacos or pizzas hit the table, individuals grab a meal and retreat to their room or the television area.
Stop the Insanity When I was researching information for one of my books called "Kids, Chores And More" I was humbled when Dr.
Stephen Glenn of the Family Development Institute says that the average child over ten years of age (in a two parent home) has fourteen and a half minutes of direct interaction with his/her parents in a twenty-four hour period.
Twelve minutes of this communication is spent by the adults issuing warnings, threats, and working on things that have gone undone or need correction.
If you have been counting, that leaves about two minutes of "open time for kind, respectful conversation.
" Yikes!!! I was sure our family was much better, but guess what? We came in at even less one-on-one time per child.
We made a concentrated effort to have a family meeting each week, where everyone had a chance to share and to schedule quick I love you messages all day.
Here are 5 Simple Ways to Say I love You
- Leave love notes on the mirror.
This is the best use of Post-it Notes ever invented. - Wink, wiggle your eyebrows, smile a big smile, do a little dance.
When they ask why you are acting so crazy say "I am celebrating that you are in my life.
" - Tell family stories in the car.
Everyone especially loves to hear about the day they were born. - Spend five minutes giving a back-rub or a foot massage.
Ask them to return the favor. - Count on your fingers why you admire the person they are.
Knowing that each person in the family is valued and cared for gives a sense of identity and security that will build a deep core of self confidence in everyone.
You can do it.
I have confidence in you.
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