As adults, we show people we love them through a variety of ways that we’ve learned from our own parents, family and friends. In turn, we show love to our children and are blessed when we receive their love back. Here are five ways I’ve noticed my preschooler shows me she cares.
Physical touch
As well as the obvious hugs and kisses, children show they love you by rubbing their face against yours, holding your hand and sitting on your lap. Asking to be picked up, snuggling into your arms, resting their head on your shoulder. There’s no greater trust than what a child has for their parent.
Little gifts
Kids love to pick flowers and find little stones and nuts in the garden to present to loved ones as a gift. If you’re lucky, you might get a lovingly scrawled drawing or painted masterpiece, too. My pockets are always full of sweet little gifts like acorns, flower petals and autumn leaves that I take out at the end of the day and place carefully in a box.
Kind words
My daughter has a little catch in her voice when she says “Mommy!” that she reserves only for me. It makes me feel even more loved that when she says she loves me or likes me (but I’ll take those, too!). Other adorable phrases include: “You’re my best friend!” and “You’re my favorite!”
Time together
When kids want your attention it’s because they love you and want to feel loved when they have your focus completely on them. “Mommy play with me, Mommy play with me NOW!” can get annoying when you’re in the middle of paying a bill or getting dinner ready, but it’s really a cry for love, by sharing something they love with you like a game, toy or art project.
Night visits
When your child comes into your room during the night it’s because they want the comfort of mom and dad. They might be afraid of the dark, or have a bad dream and they know that being with their parents will make it all better.
Helping hands
I love that little voice that pipes up when you’re making dinner (“I want to help you!”) or when you’re about to run an errand (“I want to go with you!”). Children show their love by wanting to experience your world and help you with daily tasks.
Caring thoughts
Kids show they love you through their sweet thoughts. Our family routine is as such: every night, I read my daughter books, then my husband sits with her as she falls asleep and I make us dinner. Last night, my husband went out and I did the whole routine myself. My daughter asked, “You’re going to stay with me while I fall asleep?” to which I replied, yes, I was. Then she asked, “Who’s going to make you dinner?” Bless her caring little heart.
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