Many can agree, children are innately thoughtful and caring beings. They are bundles of love. As they develop, it’s important to explain different kinds of love and how to show their love!
Teaching young ones about love is crucial for their emotional well-being, building healthy relationships, social skill development, self-expression, promoting inclusivity, and much more! Love forms the basis for positive relationships, resilience, and a compassionate understanding of the world. What better time to build these skills than Valentine’s Day!
In this blog, we’ll discuss the ‘Five Love Languages’ and other ways to celebrate love this Valentine’s Day.
Bring on the love letters, flowers, and chocolates :)
Love Languages:
Self-expression and self-exploration go hand in hand with the concept of love. These topics are even more important for our little ones who may not fully understand themselves yet! Understanding how we give and receive love can help familial dynamics, friendships, and other relationships flourish. As explained by Gary Chapman in his book, “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts”, individuals have different ways of expressing and receiving love.
Observing what ‘language’ best resonates with your kiddo can build trust and a sense of security! After all, doesn’t everyone want to feel ‘seen’? Depending on their age, this book could be an awesome resource to explore children’s needs!! The 5 Love Languages of Children: The Secret to Loving Children Effectively
The Five Love Languages:
Whether this is completely new or just a refresher, here are the Five Love Languages explained with the perspective of your kiddo in mind!
- Words of Affirmation: These kiddos value verbal expressions of love and appreciation. Compliments, kind words, and encouraging statements are particularly meaningful to them. Hearing affirming and positive words makes them feel loved and valued.
- Acts of Service: For these children, actions speak louder than words. They feel loved when others perform thoughtful acts or go out of their way to help them. Simple gestures, such as cooking their favorite meal, go a long way!
- Receiving Gifts: Meaningful and thoughtful gifts make these kiddos feel loved and appreciated!
- Quality Time: Quality time is the love language for those who value undivided attention and meaningful time spent together. Engaging in activities or simply being present with one another are ways to make individuals with this love language feel loved.
- Physical Touch: Physical touch is the primary love language for those who feel most connected through physical contact. This includes hugs, back scratches, and other forms of physical affection. Physical touch is a powerful way for these kids to experience love.
Valentine’s Day Activities for Every Kind of Kid:
All of these activities can be done for your child, or WITH your child, which is a great way to show kids loving acts! What better way to celebrate love than showing it!
Words of Affirmation:
Write your kiddo a love letter for Valentine’s Day! Better yet, set aside some time to create cards filled with love together! Draw, use stickers, glue on the glitter – anything your heart desires. Encourage making cards for others, like friends and teachers to pass kindness forward!
Acts of Service:
While Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to gift chocolates and candies, the act of creating tasty treats feels (and tastes!) even better! HERE is a list of 13 treat recipes from the FoodNetwork! Get out the aprons!
Receiving Gifts:
DIY friendship bracelets are a great activity that can show your child the magic of GIVING! Spend an afternoon crafting some bracelets for family members, friends, and babysitters :) HERE is a jewelry project for beginners!
Quality Time:
HERE is some inspiration for a crafty way to spend some quality time together. A plant is the perfect representation of love for kids – with tender love and care a relationship will grow just like a plant!
Physical Touch:
Be intentional with the hugs and the cuddles by setting aside time. The days can get hectic, but slowing down for a few minutes can reground kids and build a loving connection.
We hope you enjoy exploring the love languages and these Valentine’s Day activities with the whole family!