(1) knowing her temperament
(2) being aware of what makes her “tick” and trying to prevent/anticipate those instances
(3) preparing her for what’s to come // giving her a heads up
(4) not overwhelming her and removing her immediately from the situation when she gets embarrassed
(5) enforcing discipline immediately – being firm and being consistent
(6) learning her love language
QUALITY TIME – Your child desires your undivided attention. It’s not so much the activity that matters, but the time spent together. One-on-one time is precious to them.
– Running errands with them
– Reading with them
– Attend a special event with them
– Watching a movie together
– Helping out with homework
– Going out for ice cream
-Asking them about their day
PHYSICAL TOUCH – Your child responds to love by physical touch, whether its being held or a simple high five.
– Cuddling
– Holding/Rocking
– High Five
– Pat on the shoulder
– Play sport together
GIFTS – Your child loves tangible things – purchased, made, or found. It’s the thought that matters to them.
– Going shopping
– Birthday or Holiday gifts
– Surprise meal (i.e. pancakes for breakfast)
– Making a craft for them
– Sending them mail
– Hiding small treats for them to find
-Small rewards (i.e. candy, gum, stickers, etc)
ACTS OF SERVICE - Your child will learn from your examples such as the things you do for them or others to help out. Of course you will eventually teach your child to do things for themselves so find out what he/she would like help with.
– Helping with homework
– Help clean up a mess
– Make her favorite dish
– Pack child’s lunch
– Help with laundry
WORDS OF AFFIRMATION – Your child loves words of encouragement, both verbal and nonverbal. This can relate to an achievement, appearance, personality, etc.
– Great job! Way to go!
– I’m so proud of you!
– You look so pretty!
– Thank you for helping out.
– I love your smile!
– Smiling at them, high five, thumbs up
– Sweet notes
(These love languages are very useful in marriages and relationships as well. Learning what your partner’s primary love language can prove to be extremely useful in making him/her feel appreciated, loved, and needed.)
i love this!! We have a son who has really bad tantrums & are learning what triggers them but it’s so true about the affection! Thanks for this great read!!
Thanks for the awesome reminder. My oldest is 3 (which in my opinion is harder than 2) and my littlest is 7 months old. The 3 year old and I have been struggling at times because I can’t always communicate with her the way she needs to be communicated with. However, I’ve realized that with her — hugs, kisses, high fives and positive words do more than being negative.
Thank you for sharing this! I nanny for an almost 2 year old and we’re starting to have some serious terrible two moments. I’ve never thought about using the 5 love languages to deal with these moments. Now I’ll have to think about which one he is most, it changes by the day anymore.
What a wonderful post and wonderful way to connect your your little one! I think K’s love language is probably physical touch and words of affirmation.
xx Viv at JoieDeViv
I love that you pay attention to your childs love language. It’s such an important thing to do in just about all relationships!
We all have a love language and many times we seek to love others with the same love language we expect to receive. You have such great insight in seeking to learn her needs and meet them. QT is something many of us take for granted especially in such a busy society as ours.
I am all about the love languages, and it totally makes sense to apply them to your little ones as well as your partner
Little Marli is looking so grown up – she’s just so sweet!!
xo,D