WORDS OF AFFECTION

2. Saying What Is Best For Our Child
It is important that we say these words of affection for our child’s sake, not ours, as otherwise they can be used to manipulate. “I love you. Do you love me?” is more about meeting a parent’s emotional needs than the child’s.

We may have to think about what will be of most important to a young child in the moment of being separate from us. To say “I love you” when we are prising her off our shoulder to put her into school could make separation harder. Equally to shout “I love you” to an eight-year-old from the touchline is likely to be counterproductive. A timely wink might mean the same thing and not be embarrassing.

3. Learning To Express Affection
Some parents find it difficult to express their love in words, particularly if during their upbringing they did not hear affectionate words being spoken in their family. Breaking the sound barrier is usually the hardest part. Once we become used to hearing ourselves speaking affectionately we will find it gets easier and easier.

Q. Are you struggling in using words to express affection to your children?

Let us this week intentionally working on breaking this barrier. Let us make conscious effort to speak affectionately.

PRAYER: Lord, you use words of affection to always express your affection towards us. As our Heavenly Parent, you are our role model. Help us to model you to our children. In Jesus’ name. Amen.