Speaking your child’s language of love
Awonderful way to deeply connect with your child is to speak their love language. Described in The Five Love Languages of Children as “a primary way of expressing and interpreting love,” speaking someone’s primary love language delivers a powerful heart connection.
The five love languages are physical touch, words of affirmation, time, gifts and acts of service. Here are three tips for discovering your child’s love language:
Ask your child how he knows he is loved. If he says that his grandmother loves him because she brings him a present whenever she visits, gifts are his primary love language. Tokens in a lunchbox, souvenirs and birthday presents speak love. If she says that you love her because you tell her so, her love language is words of affirmation. Express your love through written and spoken words including notes, postcards and lots of “I love you.”
What we tend to do with others is typically our own primary love language. If your child frequently hugs others, physical affection is his. Speak through back rubs, holding hands and snuggling.
Check out your child’s requests. If he frequently lends a helping hand, his primary love language is acts of service. Preparing a special breakfast, repairing a bike and assisting with a project speak volumes. If your daughter asks you to hang out with her, time may be her primary love language. Spending time together conveys love.
Enjoy discovering the love languages in your family and speaking them often.
Maggie Macaulay, M.S.Ed., is the owner of Whole Hearted Parenting, offering coaching, courses and workshops. Contact her at 954-483-8021 or Maggie@ Whole Hearted Parent ing.com. Visit her website at www. WholeHeartedParenting.com.