Each person has his/her own way of expressing love. This is called love language and even children have them.
Knowing a child's love language is incredibly important for parents. By knowing how a child expresses his/her love and affection, parents can improve their relationship with the youngster and strengthen the family's bond. Dr. Gary Chapman, an expert in marriage and author of the "Love Language" book series, defined the five love languages of children, as reported by iMOM.
The most common love language is physical touch such as hugs, kisses, and pats on the head or back. For children who are heavily inclined towards this love language, any physical act of affection means more to them than "I love yous" or receiving presents. These kids' hearts swell with love when their parents tickle them or give them piggyback rides.
Quality time or the gift of presence is another love language of children. Kids who value quality time over everything else are the happiest whenever their parents spend time with them out of their busy schedules at work. Being with kids physically sends a message that you like being with them and they are important in your life.
Spending more quality time with children can mean having dinner together at home or participating in the games they play. Parents can also allow their kids to lend a hand in home improvements such as painting the fence or cleaning the attic or basement, according to Parents.com.
Some children thrive in receiving words of affirmation from their parents. These kids greatly appreciate being told, "I love you," "I miss you," or "I care about you." Positive guidance, words of encouragement, and praises also give warmth to these children and build their sense of worth and security.
Other children have acts of service as their principal love language. When a child values acts of service above all else, he/she will be extremely grateful and feel loved when his/her parent builds a tree house and braids or fixes her hair before going to school.
This kind of emotional love, however, doesn't mean that you must give in to each of your child's whims.(That approach would lead to the kid being spoiled.) Rather, parents should be sensitive to those requests and they should ensure that their response will be thoughtful and loving.
The last love language of children is giving and receiving gifts. Presents would mean more to children if it holds great significance. Meaningful gifts, like the ones that speak to their interests and talents, are great symbols of love for these kids. They see these gifts as proof of your love for them.
