Monday, April 21, 2014

Honoring your child's love language

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Honoring your child's love language == Hobo Mama
Goofing around with my sweet dude at the Apple Store

Lately Mikko, 6 and a half years old, has been gifting me goodies as a surprise. One time he went with his dad to the grocery store to pick up flowers and a two-liter of soda for me (I'd been craving!), and several other occasions since he's stolen away my smartphone to let his dad help him unlock the next episode of Candy Crush, spending 99 cents of his own allowance each time.

His reaction every time is to wait for mine — so I try not to disappoint! I'm not much of a gusher, but I give it my all. It's hilarious and heartwarming that he shows me his love through these frequent little gifts.

I've been thinking a lot, not coincidentally, about love languages (you can read more at this affiliate link). Clearly he has a tendency toward two in particular: physical affection (the boy's a cuddler!) and gift giving and receiving. Indeed, every time he gives me a gift, he asks me, "Now what are you going to get me?" Ha! I'm not sure he quite understands the concept of a gift, but I will say he understands clearly what he needs to feel loved (probably more aware and certainly more outspoken about it than most adults). He shows me by doing those same things to show me love.

Today look at what your kids do to show you their love. Does it mesh with your own ideas of what is important? For me, I really don't need as much physical touch (I mean, I like it, but it's not my main thing), and I've never really been into gifts — but I'm learning to adapt so I can love Mikko the way he needs me to. And — hey — it means he gives me back scratches every night and helps me unlock Candy Crush, so it's not a bad trade!

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2 comments:

Inder-ific said...

That is so sweet!! He spends his meager allowance on gifts for his MOM! AWWWWWWWW!!!

Me, I need physical affection and words. I don't care about gifts so much. But yesterday Joe drew a "heart" on his chalkboard and called me over and said "I drew it for you, mama, because you like hearts!" And gave me a big hug. I don't even know if he knows the meaning of the heart as a sign (I think he does), but it was the SWEETEST. I gushed. <3

Karen du Toit said...

Thanks for the reminder! I am not yet sure what my little one's love language is!

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