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For Release:

1/31/2025

Media Contact:

Alex Hulvalchick
630-626-6282
ahulvalchick@aap.org

Feeling loved is key to a child's healthy development. Showing your child love, in a variety of ways, will help model what a loving relationship is to them and can all help set a foundation for them to build loving relationships with others. 

“It’s crucial for children’s health and wellness for them to know their parents love them,” said Shelly Vaziri Flais, MD, FAAP. “There are an infinite number of ways to show your children love – from caring for them when they’re sick to making sure they feel comfortable coming to you with wants or needs.” 

There are many ways to show care that go beyond candy and cards. Here are 14 tips for Valentines Day—or any day. 

  1. Cue the Cuddles
    From the moment they're 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 feel safe, secure and cared for.

    In fact, research shows that physical touch is also essential to a child's health and emotional development. It can let your child know they are loved and cherished, no matter how old they are.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 nod 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Hold Time Together Dear
    Time spent together is a crucial part of showing children you love them. Schedule activities as a family like game nights that everyone can look forward to. 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. It’s important to be present physically and mentally by putting away phones and other media devices. When media is part of the plan, like a family movie night, co-viewing can be a great conversation starter. 
  6. Embrace Health & Safety
    Show how much you care by taking your children to the doctor regularly for well-childcare visits. Make sure they are up to date on vaccines to protect them against infectious diseases and teach them how to be safe from injuries. Providing a healthy and nutritious diet and encouraging good amounts of sleep and exercise to help them grow healthy and strong is another great way to show your child love. Create a safe home environment and use seat belts or car seats every time you are in a vehicle. 
  7. Choose Words with Care
    Use plenty of positive and encouraging words when talking with your child. Model consideration and gratitude by saying “please" and "thank you." Skip the sarcasm, mockery and put-downs, even if teasing. Children often don't understand your purpose and even if they do, these messages can harm self-esteem and create negative ways of talking and connecting with each other.   
  8. Forgive Mistakes, Including Your Own
    Love for children starts with the love and grace we show ourselves. If you lose your cool and react harshly to your child, apologize and explain how you will handle the situation in the future. Be sure to keep your promise. Also remember to forgive yourself. No one is perfect. Understanding how to forgive is important for your child to accept their own mistakes and build confidence and resilience.
  9. 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. Many children and teens hear about or experience climate-change-fueled disasters such as wildfires and severe storms. Talk with them about their concerns in a way that is honest, hopeful, and solution oriented.
  10. 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 and 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.   
  11. 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 that require teamwork, such as sports or other clubs. Get to know your child's friends to make sure they know you’re interested in their lives.
  12. 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. Sometimes asking if they want a solution or just someone to talk to can be a good method to meet them where they need it. 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. 
  13. Tell Your Child You Love Them No Matter Who They Love
    Tell your teen they can talk with you about any crushes they may have. This is a good opportunity to talk about dating, relationships, gender identity, and sexual activity. We can make sure our children understand how to respect their bodies and others, that "no means no." 
  14. Share These 3 Words Without Limit
    Remember, all children want their parents' 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 14 — and many more times as they grow up. They are never too old to hear it! 

AAP also offers videos on ways to show your child love in English and Spanish.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.

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