Love Language for Young Children

From the day they are born, using warm and caring communication with children helps them feel safe and secure. Using positive words spoken with love also helps build a strong foundation of communication between children and their parents or caregivers. How can this communication approach help your young child grow and develop?

Positive, loving communication is an important part of your child's development as it builds a feeling of safety and security. That, in turn, helps your child feel more confident as they approach life's challenges. Here are some suggestions on how to build this type of communication:

·         Give your baby or child your full attention when you are communicating with each other

·         Encourage your child to talk with you about what they’re feeling and thinking

·         Listen and respond in a sensitive way to all kinds of things- not just nice things or good news, but also anger, embarrassment, sadness and fear

·         Focus on body language and your tone of voice as well as the words you are saying so you can really understand what your child is trying to express

·         Use your own body language to show that you’re interested in what your child wants to share with you

·         Take into account what your child is able to understand and how long they can pay attention

·         Get on eye level – this helps the child feel more at ease, which opens up communication—being on eye level conveys the message that you are really paying attention and enhances connection

I always felt safe at home. I had a family that spoke to me kindly, lovingly, and was always supportive. As a result, I have always been able to share what's on my heart and be open with my feelings. This confidence was helpful as I grew up and made my way to adulthood. It has also inspired me to be that comfort for other children, so they feel safe as they grow and develop.