Ways to Say Those 3 Little Words!

I love holidays.

I especially like Valentine's Day because it comes in the middle of winter when we are eagerly awaiting spring.  At least around these parts of New York, anyway!  It isn't a "rushed" holiday, meaning I don't have the frenzy of baking, shopping, cleaning, entertaining of the Thanksgiving and Christmas season.  It's really just a fun day to me.....I don't even really know that much about the origins of this holiday.....but I do know that I look forward to certain surprises that have come to be "traditions" in my little family of 4.

When my oldest was just 1, we decided to buy a special book and each year she gets a book.  Of course by the time my youngest was born, we were adding some special candy to this book as well. So each girl receives a novel and one small package of special chocolates. My husband usually gets me my fave flowers and a card. I typically buy my husband his fave candy and a special card.    My husband and I have gone on several fun dates over the years or have had double dates with friends, or have stayed home to do something special with the girls.  One year we went on a romantic getaway to this place......oh my...that was just amazing! And my mother came out from the Central NY area to stay with our daughters overnight....that was quite a special February treat!

However, one thing that I have started to do, now that they are getting older (17, 12) is to find ways through out the first 2 weeks of February leading up to Valentine's Day, to say "I LOVE YOU" without actually speaking the words.  (although of course I still  say those words...every single morning and bedtime!).  I think it is very important to show children, especially as they get older, all the different ways to say "I Love You' without saying the words. 

 In fact, it is how I confirmed my oldest daughter's love language when she was just 5.  I asked her how she knew Mommy and Daddy loved her.  She said "because you tell me so".  I said, "pretend mommy and daddy can't speak. How would you know?"  She said "Because you buy me things and play with me." BINGO! Her primary love language is Gifts and her secondary love language is Quality Time.  Don't know what I'm talking about?  Read this book! 

It's a great parenting tool.

So what do I do?  Here are some ideas I've used and some I'm planning on trying.  Be creative.  And always find time each day to meet your child's love language!  Also, please keep in mind that when I was creating these, I had my own daughters in mind.  You can adapt them to fit YOUR child or change some things for a son.  HAVE FUN and BE CREATIVE!!

• Leave a note on their dresser or purse/school bag.
• Make their favorite dessert for dinner one evening.
• Leave a special Scripture verse on their pillow with a small Hershey Kiss or Hershey Hug.
• Make their bed 2 mornings in one week (assuming they make their own bed!)
• Create a homemade Valentine with their name in glitter.
• Buy them their favorite hot beverage and actually sit and savor while talking.
• Write "I LOVE YOU" on their mirror with a bit of shaving cream. (it's so easy to clean up!).
• Write "I LOVE YOU" in candy hearts and glue onto a piece of cardboard.  Serve the rest of the candy hearts in a heart-shaped dish.
• Text "i luv u"...they will be thrilled, although they might roll their eyes....but secretly..they will be thrilled....
• Send them a special email.
• Upload their fave song onto their iPod for them or surprise them with a new tune they've been wanting.
• Send them a FB msg via inbox.  Or just be one of those goofy moms who write it on their wall.  ( I can only do this for my 17 yr old as we don't allow FB for our youngest)
• Pray for them and ask them if they have any prayer requests.
• Write them a poem or song.
• Write them a note that says I LOVE YOU and then tell them God loves them even more.  Then list a few verses (with reference) that speak of God's love for us.
• Give them a hug when they least expect it.
• Watch their fave movie with them and provide their fave snacks/drinks.
• Buy an inexpensive heart-shaped bowl and place their fave colors of M & M's inside.
• Buy a single stem flower and place in a tall, thin clear vase.  Try to get their fave flower (my youngest likes pink roses and my oldest isn't picky...she does love daisies and pink roses)
• Do one of their chores for them 2-3 times a week.
• Mail them a Valentine's Card.......this will be a huge surprise!

And always kiss them good-nite!