Participating in enjoyable activities with children is one of many way–s to show how much you care for them.
By Alison Crane
Happy Valentine’s Day Month! Although Valentine’s Day ads and cards typically focus on romantic love, showing your children how much you love and care for them is a wonderful way to celebrate.
Dr. Brittney Schrick, Family Life Specialist with the University of Arkansas Extension Service shares some intentional acts of love and kindness to help children feel loved and secure and strengthen family bonds.
Show your love by:
- Giving your child encouragement with positive affirmations such as “you can do it,” a pat on the back, or a hug can build them up.
- Respecting your child and modeling the respect you want from them by saying “please” and “thank you” and by apologizing when you make a mistake.
- Providing physical affection such as hugs, kisses, sitting together, fist bumps, and pats on the back which releases hormones that make you feel happy and bonded with those you love.
- Doing enjoyable activities together such as watching a movie, playing video games, baking a special treat, cooking a meal together, or taking a walk around the neighborhood.
Tell your children: Showing is very important, but remember they need to hear it too. Be sure to tell your kiddos (even when they are teens and older) you love them as often as you can.
Showing love and telling your children you love them is the best way to encourage and strengthen your family. The Garland County Extension Service offers programs and educational resources to help parents gain the skills needed to be the best parent possible for their children. To learn more, contact the extension office at 501-623-6841 or email acrane@uada.edu.
Alison Crane is a Family and Consumer Science Agent with the Garland County Extension Service. The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
