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I Love You
How to Say It with Meaning
By Chick Moorman and Thomas Haller
"I love you" are three words all children need to hear often from their parents. Do you want those words to have real meaning to your child? Do you want them to connect one heart to another? Do you want to use them to develop a level of intimacy in your family that communicates your heartfelt affection for your children? If so, consider strengthening "I love you" with the following suggestions.
- Use eye contact. Give your children your eyes when you say, "I love you." Souls touch when meaningful eye contact is made during moments of intimacy. Touch with your eyes. It's a way of connecting that helps you bond.
- Touch. A pat on the back, a hug or a high-five will add meaning to verbal expressions of love. So will a slight squeeze of the shoulder or a kiss. Take your child's hand in yours when you say, "I love you," and add a tactile component to your words.
- Use names. The sweetest sound in any language is the sound of your own name. Names get our attention, build connectedness and help us connect. Sadly, some children only hear their own names when they are in trouble. ("William, you better get in here!") Add your child's name to your expression of love. "I love you, Carlos," or "Tadahito, I really love you." Watch their reactions. Their facial expressions will encourage you to continue the practice of adding your child's name to "I love you."