10 Ways to Say I Love You on Valentine's Day

Healthy Ways that Show Your Children You Love Them

Feb 7, 2009 Kirsti A. Dyer

Valentine's Day ,or any day,is a great time to teach children how to say "I Love You" or show them your affection. Here are 10 healthy ways to show a child you love her.

People grow up thinking Valentine's day is not only about love, but is also about demonstrating that love by giving lots of sweets and treats. For the sake of your child's long-term health and development, it is best to find other ways of expressing love and affection that do not involve candy, sweets and chocolates.

With a little bit of thought, time and even some creativity, parents can find all sorts of ways to express their love, admiration and affection to children on Valentine's day or any day.

This Valentine's Day, instead of giving heart-shaped candy or a goodie bag filled with sugary treats, consider some of these healthy, alternative ways to celebrate and show love and affection for your child or children:

10 Ways to Say "I Love You" this Valentines Day

Share Hugs & Cuddles
Prepare Special Heart (Healthy) Food
Spend Some Family Time Together
Create a Secret Sign
Ban Put Downs
Give a Note of Encouragement
Plan a Family Game Night
Share a Laugh
Practice Gratitude
Say "I Love You"

Share Hugs & Cuddles

Children of all ages love to share hugs and cuddles with their parents. As they become tweens and teens, they may not admit that they like to be hugged, but hugging is good for the development and growth of children.This is especially important when the child is angry or upset.

Prepare Special Heart (Healthy) Food

Children like to help prepare meals. Let them help think of some favorite heart-shaped foods that can also be healthy foods. Use heart cutouts to make heart-shaped sandwiches. Serve red foods like grapes, tomatoes, bell peppers, apples, cherries and strawberries. Make heart shaped turkey or chicken hamburgers. Consider trying some of the healthier hot chocolate recipes listed in the reference below.

Spend Some Family Time Together

Children love to spend time with their parents, so find ways to spend time with them. Go for a walk. Share a sunset. Ask them about their day. Plan to spend time doing with your child likes to do. Find ways to spend some quality time doesn't cost a thing.

Create a Secret Sign

On the day of the inauguration newly sworn in President Obama shared a secret 'thumbs up" sign with youngest daughter Sasha. Find some kind of secret sign to use with your children – maybe a pat or or a kiss on the head, a punch in the shoulder or a knuckle punch.

Ban Put Downs

Remove all put downs from parenting vocabulary. Instead focus on positive words of encouragement such as "Way to Go", "Great Job" or "I'm proud of you." Children can never get too much encouragement.

Give a Note of Encouragement

Slip a note of encouragement into your child's lunch, notebook, school book, jacket or other place that he or she is likely to find it during the day. This is particularly helpful on challenging days like taking a big exam, trying out for a play or giving a speech. A note of encouragement will let the child know the parent is behind them in spirit, even if not there physically.

Plan a Family Game Night

Many families take one night of the week and plan a family game night, a night when the family get together and spends time together. These nights are usually put on a calendar and different family members take turns choosing what the game will be for their night.

Share a Laugh

Many people know that laughter is the best medicine. Sharing a laugh with a child is good for both the child and the parent. Maintaining a good sense of humor and a positive attitude, along with the support of family, can all help keep a person healthier and feeling better.

Practice Gratitude

Practicing gratitude about life and helping a child develop positive relationships with friends, siblings and members of the community can help contribute to their sense of self-esteem.Teaching a child about gratitude and to be thankful when they are young can have a long-lasting effect for the child on maintaining a positive outlook on life .

Say "I Love You"

The American Academy of Pediatrics, as part of its "14 Ways to Show Love for Your Child This Valentine's Day", reminds parents each year to remember to say "I Love You" to children, something most people could use more of in their life.

There are many different healthy ways to show your children you love them on Valentine's Day or any other day. Try some of these or find your unique own way of saying "I Love You" to your child.

Resources

American Academy of Pediatrics. 2009. "14 Ways to Show Love for Your Child This Valentine's Day".

Dyer KA. 2008. How to Raise a Healthy Child. Suite 101.

Dyer KA. 2008. Raising a Grateful Child. Suite 101.

Dyer KA. 2008. Healthier Hot Chocolate Recipes for Tweens. Suite 101.

The copyright of the article 10 Ways to Say I Love You on Valentine's Day in Parenting Resources is owned by Kirsti A. Dyer. Permission to republish 10 Ways to Say I Love You on Valentine's Day in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.