Make your child your Valentine!
No mom would deny that her child is the love of her life! To celebrate, check out the American Academy of Pediatrics’ top 10 tips for showing your child you love her…
1 Use positive words
Use plenty of positive words with your child. Try to avoid using sarcasm – she may not understand it, and if she does it creates a negative interaction.
2 Be there when you’re needed
Respond promptly and lovingly to your child's physical and emotional needs and banish put-downs from your parenting vocabulary.
3 See past the tantrums
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.
4 Stay firm
Use rewards and restrictions when your child is young 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.
5 Schedule one-on-one time
Make plans to spend time alone with your child or teen doing something she enjoys.
6 Book family get-togethers
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.
7 Encourage her creativity
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.
8 Keep him healthy
Your child's health depends significantly on the care and guidance you offer during his early years. By taking your child to the pediatrician regularly for consultations, keeping him safe from accidents, providing a nutritious diet and encouraging exercise throughout childhood, you help protect and strengthen his body.
9 Coach her in friendship skills
Help your child foster positive relationships with friends, siblings and members of the community.
10 Boost his self-esteem
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.
And don't forget to say, "I love you" to children of all ages!