Have you heard of love languages before? It is an idea that there are five love languages, and everyone on the planet has one that they prefer. It is often the way that they show love to other people and the way that they prefer it to be shown to them. However, in relationships, it helps to know what your partner’s preferred love language is, so that you can show love to them in the way that they most value and appreciate it. It is all about knowing what is important to someone else, and then valuing that and showing them you care in that way.
When it comes to the parent and child relationship, this is another element to consider, because although younger, they will still have a preference for what they like and how they are shown love.
The five love languages are:
- Physical touch
- Words of affirmation
- Quality time
- Gift giving
- Acts of service
Knowing how to best say I love you to your children, without saying it, in four out of the five examples, helps you to have a better relationship with your child, help them to feel loved as they know it, and helps you to get to know them better. Here are some examples of what you can do each day for your children, depending on what love language is what they prefer.
- Physical touch: this could include hugging and kissing, as well as having your child sit close to you, scratching their back, cuddling when reading a story, or brushing their hair. High-fives and general contact can also be other methods.
- Words of affirmation: this can be just telling them that you love them, looking them right in the eye. It can also mean words that encourage and help and words that praise them. Make sure that it isn’t all empty though and be genuine with your words.
- Quality time: this one can be a big thing for a number of children. Quality time with them is all about time away from screens and phones, where you can build memories and have a lot of fun together.
- Giving gifts: children like gifts, of course. But having this as a love language is more than just getting something new. It isn’t about giving them something as a bribe or used as a substitute for spending time with them. Meaningful gifts, such as gifts for him or her that you know they are going to love, is what can help children that see love in this way, appreciate things.
- Acts of service: this is a lot of what being a parent is about. But when talking about love languages, this is referring to going above and beyond to make sure that their needs are met, and making sure that you’re not ‘too busy’ to help. Encouraging children with a hobby or hosting events at home are other examples.
If you haven’t done the love languages quiz, to find out what your is, unless you know already, then it can be a really interesting thing to do, for all of the family. Then you can think of each other going forward, to create a happy home that shows more love.
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