With Valentine’s Day approaching, you may be thinking more about getting chocolates or flowers for your significant other than anything else. But for your children, this is a perfect time to reinforce what most kids already understand: that Love is Love in it’s purest form for anyone.
Expressing Love
Today’s world may seem more spiteful and divided than in years past, but there are many ways in which we can build better relationships with anyone. Your kids were raised on love, and can understand this concept sometimes even better than us, since we’ve become accustomed to the “bad” things in life. But children can always help us to see that deeper connection to those we love every day. You may think you’re the one teaching your kids a lesson about love, but it may be the other way around!
Remember, children are masters at absorbing the world around them, including emotions, actions, and reactions of others. And since younger children spend the majority of time with their parents, they are constantly seeing how you interact with others on a daily basis. Showing kindness and love to others is a great way to help reinforce this loving nature in your own children.
Not Just a Romantic Love
Most people think of love in terms of a relationship – a marriage between two people who love each other. But love shows itself in many different ways and forms. Especially with holidays like Valentine’s Day, the holiday is centered around romantic, spousal love. But celebrating love should have no bounds! Everyone can express love every day, whether it’s for a friend, family member, pet, plant, or for a complete stranger! Showing your children the power of love in all it’s forms can give them a more genuine love for others, whether it’s an ant on the ground or for someone in need. Be sure to show and tell your children that love has no bounds, as long as they are willing to accept their emotions and process them.
Love is a beautiful thing, and should be nourished in every child’s life. Showing your kids every form of love while they grow up can help them increase their healthy relationships now and in the future. And it certainly can’t hurt to keep spreading that love and compassion no matter where you are or who you see! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Kate Kyzivat