Ways to Show Your Child Love on Valentine’s Day and Beyond
As the official day of love, Valentine's Day is a special reminder to be intentional about the ways we show our children love and affection. Beyond the candy and cards, there are simple but meaningful ways to make your child feel valued, loved, and cherished. Read below for some small but impactful ways to tell your child "I love you" this Valentine's Day and beyond.
Write your child a letter. Share what you love and appreciate about them, such as their kindness, infectious laugh, or sense of humor. To make this gesture feel extra special, place the letter in your child’s lunchbox or on their pillow to find before bed.
Do something creative together. Baking a special treat with your child or helping your child make valentines for their class shows them you care and is a fun and easy way to spend quality time together.
Share what Valentine’s Day means to you. Beyond the sweet treats and gifts, how do you show your loved ones appreciation? Talk to your child about how they show their friends and family love, and ask them how they like to be shown love from others.
Make time for play. Putting some time aside in your busy day to play hide-and-go-seek or kick a ball around before dinner can add a touch of magic to your child’s day. Just like you, your child’s day is filled with responsibilities and routines like school, homework, and chores, so making time for play can make each day feel special.
Show physical affection. Physical touch like hugs, cuddles, and back rubs have been shown to reduce children’s anxiety, promote their healthy development, and promote parent-child bonding. Give your child a gentle hug or cuddle before bed to show your child you love them.
Say “I love you.” While showing your child affection is incredibly important, saying “I love you” can be just as valuable. Verbalizing your love regularly and unconditionally shows how much you care for your child and can help your child feel safe, loved, and valued.