How to Love Well

 

It warms my heart to see kids running into their parent's arms at the end of the school day or smiling at the note from mom in their lunchbox, or taking excitedly about a weekend adventure with dad.  We all have different ways we show love to our children and as it turns out, they all have unique ways they experience love.  Author Gary Chapman wrote about the 5 Love Languages to give us some deeper insight into what really sends a message of love.  Some people really light up when a loved one shares their appreciation or notices their strengths (Words of Affirmation).  Others feel most loved when they get those bear hugs, back rubs and snuggles on the couch (Physical Touch).  Not everyone likes hugs; they might appreciate a thoughtful gift that says you know what your child really enjoys (Gifts).  Some kids know you love them because of all the ways you serve them:  helping clean up the room, making their favorite food for dinner, washing their uniform for the game (Acts of Service).  Last, but not least, love may be felt deepest for many children when their parents take the time to do things together, anything from raking leaves to throwing a baseball around can send the message "I love you and want to be with you" (Quality Time).  How does your child receive love?  

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