14 Ways to Show Love for Your Child This Valentine's Day
1.
Use plenty of positive words with your child. Try to avoid using
sarcasm with your child. They often don't understand it, and if they
do, it creates a negative interaction. 2. Respond promptly and
lovingly to your child's physical and emotional needs, and banish
put-downs from your parenting vocabulary. 3. Make an extra effort to set a good example at home and in public. Use words like "I'm sorry," "please" and "thank you." 4.
When your child is angry, argumentative or in a bad mood, give him a
hug, cuddle, pat, secret sign or other gesture of affection he favors
and talk with him about his feelings. 5. Use non-violent forms of
discipline. Parents should institute both rewards and restrictions many
years before adolescence to help prevent trouble during the teenage
years. Allowing children of any age to constantly break important rules
without being disciplined only encourages more rule violations. 6. Make plans to spend time alone with your young child or teen doing something she enjoys. 7.
Mark family game nights on your calendar so the entire family can be
together. Put a different family member's name under each date, and
have that person choose which game will be played that evening. 8.
Owning a pet can make children, especially those with chronic illnesses
and disabilities, feel better by stimulating physical activity,
enhancing their overall attitude and offering constant companionship. 9.
One of the best ways to familiarize your child with good food choices
is to encourage him to cook with you. Let him get involved in the
entire process, from planning the menus to shopping for ingredients to
the actual food preparation and its serving. 10. As your child grows
up, she'll spend most of her time developing and refining a variety of
skills and abilities in all areas of her life. You should help her as
much as possible by encouraging her and providing the equipment and
instruction she needs. 11. Your child's health depends significantly
on the care and guidance you offer during his early years. By taking
your child to the doctor regularly for consultations, keeping him safe
from accidents, providing a nutritious diet and encouraging exercise
throughout childhood, you help protect and strengthen his body. 12. Help your child foster positive relationships with friends, siblings and members of the community. 13.
One of your most important gifts as a parent is to help your child
develop self-esteem. Your child needs your steady support and
encouragement to discover his strengths. He needs you to believe in him
as he learns to believe in himself. Loving him, spending time with him,
listening to him and praising his accomplishments are all part of this
process. 14. Remember to say, "I love you" to children of all ages!
