Love Your Child To Better Behavior

In the book, "The Five Love Languages For Children"
Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell, the authors
describe five ways to show love. Apparently, each
of us has a preference for receiving love in a
particular way. Discovering your child’s preferences
gives you a big advantage and deeper way to
enhance your connection.

In terms of love languages, we’re all different. Some
like gifts. Other like physical touch or words of
affirmation. Imagine a kitty just purring away in your
lap when you pet her just the way she likes it best.
Knowing and using your child’s love language
works like this. It helps enhance your relationship,
builds your child’s self-esteem, and even improves
behavior.

Here is a brief description of each love language:

o Acts of Service - helping someone to do errands or
chores
o Quality Time - One on one, undivided attention
o Words of Affirmation - speaking appreciation and
acknowledgement
o Physical Touch - Hugging, holding hands, massage
o Receiving Gifts - receiving objects that show
caring and knowledge

DISCOVERING YOUR CHILD’S LOVE LANGUAGE

Everyone enjoys all of these to one degree or
another, but there will be one or two that truly
resonate. How do you find out which one is the right
one for your child? Here are three possibilities:

o Ask them
o Observe the love language they use most with you
o Experiment and see the reaction

***Ask Them***

I know this is TOO obvious! The tricky thing is that
while some children will know right away, others may
not really have a clear idea or may have a false idea.
That whole gift thing sounds good after all, but it
may not really be the number one choice.

***Observation***

Often the love language that a person gives to
others is the one that they themselves most
resonate with. This makes sense given that we
often think everyone else thinks and feels the way
we do. Notice how your child expresses love to you.
Does he often bring you flowers from the yard? His
love language may be Receiving Gifts. Does she give
your shoulders a rub after a hard day? She might
like Physical Touch. Notice how your child gives love
to other members of the family. This is a big clue! ;)

***Experiment***

Once you have an idea about which love languages
your child seems to gravitate towards--give them a
try! If he melts when you give him a big squeeze,
then that Physical touch language is working great!
If she blushes with pleasure when you compliment
her on her report card, then Words of Affirmation
seem to be doing the trick. If you notice your child is
purring like that kitty I mentioned, then ask your
child what she is noticing and maybe ask what would
make it even better.

APPLICATIONS

Once you have a list of the top 2 or 3 love languages
for your child, you can use these along with your
other efforts. For example, when giving your child
specific praise, you can tailor your praise statements
to fit the love language. For a Words of Affirmation
love language, use lots and lots of specific praise
statements. For a Physical Touch love language,
punctuate your statement with a hug or a shoulder
rub.

When designing an incentive system for your child
use the love languages to come up with new and
interesting ideas. A coupon for doing a chore for
them or for a trip to the Mall would motivate a child
who likes Acts of Service. A prize box with lots of
small gifts would be motivating for a child who enjoys
Receiving Gifts. A sticker chart system that builds up
to spending quality time at an amusement park alone
with you would definitely motivate a child who
craves quality time.

Through using the love languages, you can help your
child to truly feel the love you want to express and
build his self-esteem and improve his behavior at the
same time. You can make this fun for yourself by
pretending you are a love language detective.

Remember this works great with friends and spouses
too!

Do you know what your family’s (and your own) love
language is?

Great! Now, go spread the love around! ?