Pathway Pediatrics

Feeling loved is key to a child’s healthy development. There are many ways to show you care that go beyond candy and cards. Here are 14 tips for Valentine’s Day – or any day.

• Cue the Cuddles!
  From the moment they are born, little ones love being held, cuddled, and caressed. Along with gentle touches your child gets when you feed, diaper, and rock them, consider adding baby massage to your care routine. It’s a simple way to make your infant feels safe, secure, and cared for.
  
  In fact, research shows that physical touch is also essential to a child’s health and emotional development. From gentle hugs and cuddles to holding your child’s hand or patting their back, touch sends a wordless message of warmth and reassurance. It can let your child know they are loved and cherished, no matter how old they are.
  
• Share the Love of Reading
  Start reading to your child beginning in infancy. Many studies show that reading together strengthens parent-child bonds and promotes positive parenting. Plus, when you read to or with your child, you help them build a foundation for success in school, which is linked to long-term wellness.
  
• Think Hugs First
  When your child is angry, acting out, or in a bad mood, try not to take it personally. Calm your own emotions first, perhaps by taking a deep breath, and then give a quick hug, cuddle, pat, secret not, or other sign of affection. Once they are also calm and feeling better, consider talking with them about the event and how they might better manage those strong emotions next time.
  
• Discipline With Love
  Use positive, non-violent discipline. Harsh physical and verbal punishments don’t work and can damage long-term physical and mental health. From an early age, provide clear and consistent rules that your children can understand. Give praise when they follow them – not just punishment when they don’t. Calmly explain consequences and follow through right away when rules are broken.
  
• Hold Time Together Dear
  Mark game nights or other family activities on your calendar so that everyone can look forward to enjoying time together. Plan some outdoor fun together or time at home playing and connecting as a family. Also be sure to carve out one-on-one time with each of your kids regularly to do something they enjoy. Try to put away cell phones, tablets, and other media devices during these special times and really focus on each other. When media is part of the plan, like a family movie night, co-viewing can be a great conversation starter.
  
• Embrace Health & Safety
  Show how much you care by taking your children to the doctor regularly for well-child care visits. Make sure they are up-to-date on vaccines to protect them against infectious diseases, including flu and other recommended immunizations. Teach them how to be safe from injuries, provide a healthy and nutritious diet, and encourage good amounts of sleep and exercise to help them grow healthy and strong. Create a safe home environment, and use seat belts or car seats every time you are in a vehicle.
  
• Choose Words with Care
  Use plenty of positive and encouraging words when talking with your child. Model consideration and gratitude by saying “please” and “than you”. Skip the sarcasm, mockery, and put-downs, even if teasing. Children often don’t understand your purpose. Even if they do, these messages can harm self-esteem and create negative ways of talking and connecting with each other.
  
• Forgive Mistakes, Including Your Own
  If you lose your cool and reach harshly to your child, apologize and explain how you will handle the situation in the future. Be sure to keep your promise. Also forgive yourself. No one is perfect. Understanding how to forgive is important for your child to accept their own mistakes as well, and build confidence and resilience. Love for children starts with the love and grace we show ourselves.
  
• Care for the Earth
  Spend time together in nature when you can, exploring ways to appreciate and protect it. Taking steps to care for the environment will show your children how you care about their future. Teach them to respect and care for their environment by not littering, leaving areas how they found them, and treating animals and plants with care and love. Make efforts to put down electronics and spend time outdoors together by going on hikes, swimming, riding bikes, gardening, or caring for animals. Getting fresh air and sunlight will also help both of your mental and physical health!
  
• Cook Up Cherished Moments
  One of the best ways to teach your children about healthy food choices and enjoy each other’s company is to cook together. Involve them in the entire process, from planning the menus to shopping for ingredients to preparing and serving the meal. Family meals are a great opportunity to talk and connect. Put away any electronic devices, including your own phone.
  
• Foster Friendships
  Help your child develop positive relationships with friends, siblings, and members of the community. Teach them about the value of kindness. Encourage your child to be involved in activities the require teamwork, such as sports. Get to know your child’s friends and talk about responsible and respectful relationships.
  
• Have Heart-to-Heart Conversations
  Ask your child “how was your day?” and actively listen to the answer. Be available when your child wants to talk, even if it’s not the best time for you. If they tell you about a challenge they are facing, let them finish the story before helping them solve the problem. With an ongoing national emergency in youth mental health, many kids are struggling. If you see signs of anxiety or depression talk with your pediatrician. (See “How to Talk About Mental Health With Your Child and Their Pediatrician“)
  
• Teach Your Children About Healthy Love and Relationships
  Tell your child they can talk with you about any crushes or romantic feelings they may have. This is a good opportunity to talk about dating, relationships, and sexual activity. Make sure your child understands boundaries and respect in romantic relationships as well as respect for their bodies and the importance of consent. Ensure that you have a safe and trusting relationship with your child so that they can always come to you with questions or concerns about love.
  
• Share These 3 Words Without Limit
  Remember, all children want their parent’s attention, no matter their age. Make time every day to talk. Young people are more likely to make healthy choices if they stay connected with family members. And don’t forget to say “I love you” to your children on February 14th – and many more times as they grow up. They are never too old to hear it.

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