How Many Time Do I Have to Tell You: I Love You? (12 of 13)

Davis Carman|November 19, 2024

In our journey through parenting, there’s been one profound yet simple message that I found essential to impart upon our children: “I love you.” According to some statistics, less than half of the kids growing up today hear this message daily. This realization should encourage us to be more intentional about expressing love not only within our family circle but also with the wider world.

The Five Love Languages

Love is more than just words. Remember Gary Chapman’s “Five Love Languages?” Words of affection, acts of service, quality time, physical touch, and gift-giving all embody different expressions of love. Each child, spouse, and individual recognizes love uniquely, and it’s vital to convey love through the language they understand best. While verbal affirmation of love is crucial, the amalgamation of all these expressions builds a strong foundation of perceived love.

Love between Parents

Part of imparting love involves leading by example. Our children learn about love not just through words directly spoken to them but through observing the love between us as parents. Davis and I have always prioritized showing love openly, ensuring that our kids see a stable, loving relationship. This solid foundation teaches them that love is accompanied by commitment and respect.

God’s Love for Us

Furthermore, this lesson extends beyond familial love. As a parent, a cornerstone teaching moment is the reminder that God’s love surpasses all. Our children’s bedtime routine often ended with Rachael saying, “Good night, I love you…but remember, God loves you more.” This story highlights the humility in acknowledging that while we love them dearly, there’s a divine love that is perfect and unconditional, providing them with a sense of security in God’s eternal embrace.

Loving Through Conflict

But loving others is not always smooth sailing. Love isn’t about avoiding conflict or pretending everything is picture-perfect. It’s about navigating disagreements and challenges with an overarching commitment to each other. We may not always see eye to eye, but we work through our issues, never letting go of love as a guiding principle. This approach models for our kids how to handle life’s ups and downs while maintaining a mindset fixed on unwavering love.

The Transformative Power of Love

Lastly, the most promising aspect of love is its transformative and motivating power. It inspires us to fulfill our potential and awakens us to God’s purpose for our lives. I strive to impart this kind of influential love to my children, nurturing their spirits so they feel cherished and empowered to pursue their unique paths.