this weekend we saw a movie 8th grade As you might have guessed, it’s about an 8th grade girl who struggled through those difficult middle school years. (Have you seen it?) She lives with her father. One evening around the fire pit in the backyardasks him the heartbreaking question, “Do I make you sad?” He tells her why she asked that question and replies, “I’m so happy to be your dad.” “It’s so easy to love you. It’s so easy to be proud of you.”
“It’s so easy to love you.” I’ve remembered that line ever since I first saw this movie seven years ago. How beautiful are those words? How important would you feel if someone said that to you?
It made me think about the words I’ve said to my children, the feelings that I really wanted to say deeply, and the phrases I’ve heard from my own parents, and what I’ve heard other parents say to their children. Of course, people show love in different ways. Do your best, pay for dinner, Make a bowl of cut fruit — and some people get nervous when it comes to direct praise or sweet words, and that’s okay. But if, like me, your love language is words of affirmation, you may want to say things like the following to your children if they feel right to you…
There is nothing you can do or say that will make me love you less.
I’m always here for you.
Even if I’m angry, grumpy, or tired, even if you’re mad, grumpy, or tired, I’ll always love you.
Whether you are with me or apart, awake or asleep, I will always, always, always love you.
I love watching you play.
I would love to hear your opinion.
I love you with all my heart.
I love you no matter what age you are and watching you grow is a gift and a joy.
You have good instincts.
Trust your intuition.
You can trust yourself.
I’m so happy to be your mom.
I love being your mom.
You bring me joy every day.
It can be difficult. I’ve seen you do it before, and you can do it again.
I can run through the storm.
It takes a lot of courage to feel your emotions. Some people go their whole lives without being able to do that.
Whatever you feel is normal, you are never, ever alone.
Everything you can think of, someone has felt and done before.
Please tell me anything.
I am not surprised or shocked by anything you say. I’ve heard it all.
No matter what you say to me, I will never be offended or embarrassed. It’s all normal.
you are always in my heart.
If you need me, I’m always here.
You are a beautiful person.
My friend Erin, a mother of two, also said: “I’ve mostly failed at teaching my kids Korean, but when N was little, I made up a little lullaby in Korean that said, “많이, 많이.” Now that he’s grown up and I say the words and he says them, I’m glad that at least he knew the phrase by heart. ”
Sobboobboob.
What are your thoughts? How do you show love to your children? what is your love language? I would love to hear it. Shit
PS Tweens love language and it’s the best parenting advice I’ve ever received.
(Photo by Gurth Bramall/Unsplash)
Source: Cup of Jo – cupofjo.com
