Love is such a wonderful feeling when received and even more important to learn how to give it. Many kids have been hearing “I love you” from significant people in their lives, but how can we teach kids how to spread love to others? It starts with communication followed by actions.
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First, we want to make sure that kids understand how love makes them feel. Questions like, “how does it feel when mommy or daddy tell you they love you?” or “what do you love to do?” can be questions that can open conversation about love and acts of love. Once the feelings and actions of love are clear and understood, we can then teach kids simple ways to spread love to others.
Here are 5 simple ways to teach kids to spread love…any day of the year.
Give Compliments: Giving compliments is a great way to spread love, and it is easy too! We can start by teaching kids to give a compliment to a friend or family member. We can also teach kids that compliments can be given beyond the physical appearance. Compliments like “You played a great game, I liked that last move!” or “You are really great at math! Way to go!” can make a peer feel the love.
Make a Love Card: The written expression of love is important too. Ask your little one who they would like to make a small love note or love card for. Is it their grandma, friend, or even pet? Explain to them that they can write down and express how having that person in their life makes them feel, and then write it on paper. Even if they are small and cannot write yet, the act of the gesture is a wonderful way to teach kids how to spread love.
Don’t Forget the Animals! Often, people forget that animals need love too. With our busy schedules, we can often forget about our furry friends. Recently, my daughter asked if animals have feelings like we humans do. Teaching kids that animals have feelings and can feel their love is a wonderful way to teach kids to spread love.
Kids learn by example. As parents, caregivers, and the adults in their lives, we must not only teach them how to spread love, but also give them the love that they need to understand that emotion to pay it forward.