The Language of Love
Understanding the language of love.
Jiya’s caregivers are really worried. They found a letter in her room which read “I feel like nobody loves me.”
They feel like they have done everything for her. Yet, they cannot understand how else can they make her feel loved.
Jiya’s caregivers are struggling with expanding their love language.
Love language? What is that?
Let’s understand the word language: Language helps us in communicating with each other.
Love language helps us in communicating love with each other.
How does our love language impact children?
Children have a love language too. A language that is primarily shaped by the adults around them. It shapes the way they build friendships and relationships in the future. It shapes the way they feel and express love.
Just like the world has more than one language, so does love.
Why is having different love languages important?
Imagine a world with only one language. Would it be able to contain the entire spectrum of words, emotions and vocabulary?
One language cannot communicate everything. It has it’s limitations.Just like that having one love language has it’s limitations too.
The more we expand our love language, the more capable a child is of feeling and expressing love.
What are some love languages?
Physical Touch- Babies start with expressing love in nonverbal ways. It can be touching their cheeks, smiling, or hugging themselves. As we grow up, this love language stays. Hugs are the primary love language of a child. It makes them feel safe and comforted.
Gifts- A simple gift tells a child you see them and you want to make an effort to show them you love them. It can be a simple card, food, or a book. Anything which makes the child feel unique and special.
Verbal reassurance- As a child grows up, verbal reassurance means more to them than gifts and physical touch. It’s a way of telling the child “Not only do I hear you, but I also understand you.” Write them letters, talk to them, express love in words too. This makes the child feel acknowledged and seen.
Time- Sitting and giving undivided attention is an underrated way to show love. Sitting without our phones and distraction and just communicating tells the child “You are important to me.” Talk to them and ask them about their day. Listen to them with undivided attention. Make them feel important and cared for.
Emotional support- Consistent emotional support is one of the most important love languages. It means to acknowledge and communicate the emotional needs of each other. This plays a huge role in shaping a child’s love language as well. The more vulnerable and open we are about our emotions the more secure a child feels.
Remember, love can be expressed in various ways. Every love language can make us feel different emotions. Let’s make children feel loved and expand their language of love too.