The Power of Saying “I love You”

I Love You. Three simple words with a wealth of meaning behind them. As one of the most impactful things a parent can say to their child, remembering to say it out loud and often to your loved ones could prove a challenge.

The words have a spectacular effect on the well-being of a child. It creates a world for them where they feel comforted and secure. It acts as a guiding star that they always keep in their sights while they derive the courage from it to go out and explore. Studies show that regularly expressing warmth and affection for your child helps raise resilient, less anxious adults. A child who knows that they are well loved no matter what is prepared to take on situations with utmost confidence.

The sky is the limit when it comes to different ways to convey your message of love to your child – slip a note in their lunch box, spell it out with alphabet magnets on the refrigerator or simply tell them you love them before bedtime; what is important is the context you use these words in. Do not lessen the value of your love by attaching clauses to it such as “I’ll love you if you do your homework”. Your child needs to know that your love is unconditional and does not depend on their actions or behaviour.

Another thing that holds back parents from saying “I love you” regularly is when they assume there is no need to say it out loud since their child knows that they are loved. However, the act of verbally expressing it reassures kids while also demonstrating methods of expressing affection that they could use in future relationships.

As children grow older, especially in their teen years when they might want to be seen as independent, they tend to be embarrassed by displays of affection. So enjoy the freedom to express your unconditional love while you still can. Hence this year, let love into your home and heart and spread its message. Let your child know that they will always be cherished with these magical words – I Love You.