Kids don’t always come out and tell you how much they love and appreciate you. You are more likely to be regularly met with grunts, side eyes, and half-hugs. I don’t know why, but sometimes kids act as if there’s a shortage of affection and they have to ration it out. However, there are countless ways in which children show love and affection to their parents every day. Some may fly under our radar because we have our own expectations and personal ideas on how affection should be expressed.
As you read this post, I invite you to welcome a new perspective and reflect on the interactions with your children. You might be surprised to discover all the subtle yet significant ways your children are constantly telling you they love you.
10 ways children show love to their parents
1. Share stories
If your child is sharing details about their day, an argument they had with a friend, or simply telling you a funny joke they heard in school, it’s a sign that they want to share their lives with you. Humans are social creatures and have an intense need for community, but not just with anyone. They will only do this with people they love, feel close to, and trust. Therefore, when your child is sharing parts of their lives, no matter how small, they are showing you love.
Note: Don’t feel discouraged if they aren’t telling you everything that goes on in their lives. That’s to be expected. As they get older, they will have a greater need for privacy, and may feel that not everything is important enough to share.
2. They share their interests
When your child shares the things they care about and invites you to partake in their interests, they are welcoming you into their world. They’re showing you what brings them joy and excites them.
This is also a wonderful opportunity to get to know them better. You might learn new things about your child that you were not aware of before. You might even be surprised to see how knowledgeable they are in their area of interest. Who knows, they might even teach you a thing or two.
3. Affection
Yes, this is the most obvious one. When they kiss you or hug you, you can feel the warmth of their love.
It doesn’t matter how old they get; this will always melt your heart. In fact, the older they get, the more meaningful it feels at times. Because when they do it, it feels more intentional. Your connection matures in a beautiful and almost unexpected way.
Take those moments in and save them in your memory, as they are precious. Never take a single hug for granted. Hold them until they are ready to let go, not a moment earlier. These moments are the ones that will fill your heart up the most.
4. They tell you
Hearing your child tell you that they love you is music to one’s ears. Who would’ve thought that hearing an “I love you” could feel so beautiful and pure? There’s no hidden agenda, just the desire to let you know you are special and occupy an important place in their hearts.
I know some families focus more on showing their love through actions rather than saying it. It may even be a little awkward to tell each other “I love you.” However, even under this dynamic, it is still special and cherished when these words are spoken.
5. When they bring something for you
I was thinking of titling this one “When They Bring You a Gift,” but I thought it would overshadow their countless acts of kindness. When your child picks up a pretty flower, a rock, or even a leaf that they thought was beautiful and bring it to show you or gift it to you, it shows they love you and were thinking of you.
Here are some ways they might do this: draw a picture for you, show you a critter they found, bring you a blanket because you said you were cold, hand you a glass of water when you are thirsty, etc.
It is not always the grand actions that will show you their love. It’s like I always say, life is made up of little moments. The same principle applies here. You will see their affection in the small everyday things, not always during the big moments in life.
6. Share their snacks
Another way they show love is when they share their snacks and/or come over to give you candy to try. I mean, think about this: Do you have a secret snack stash? Do you wait until the kids go to sleep to enjoy it in peace without having to share?
Be honest, I’m not judging. I do it too!
Now imagine how selfless it is of them to want to enjoy a sweet treat with you. Even if they only give you the smallest piece (let’s not focus on the small details, lol) it shows that they want to share this good moment with you so you can enjoy it together.
7. They check up on you when you’re sick
When they come around and ask how you are feeling, if you need anything, or simply say they hope you feel better soon, they are showing love by caring and worrying about you.
Now, they may not be waiting on you hand and foot (though that would be nice), but it is their way of watching over you. They might want to stay in bed with you and just hang out, even if you fall asleep. This is because they wish to stay near in case you need something.
They may not always say things outright, but you can pick up a lot by simply watching their actions.
8. They don’t hide their anger, sadness, or disappointment
Note: I am not referring to purposeful bad behavior.
When your child openly shows that they are angry, upset, or downright disappointed in something, they are showing you their most vulnerable side. They know that you are their safe space and can let it out with you. Your child trusts that you will help guide them. They are opening up to you because you are their person.
This can also be observed in toddlers. Have you noticed how they sometimes throw tantrums and act up only with their parents, and no one else? This is because they know their parents are their safe people. Even from a young age, humans are inclined to let their walls down around the people they love and trust.
It may not always be a stroll in the park to navigate your child when they are having a hard time, but always remember that the only reason why they are showing you their most vulnerable state is because they count on you and see you as their rock.
9. They ask for you when they are hurt
Someone else could be taking care of them, but they will still call for you. Your presence alone is comforting and helps calm them down. They could have a nurse tending to them, yet, they would still want you by their side.
When we are hurt or are not feeling well, we want someone we love by our side. We know they will watch over us and make sure that we are doing ok. That’s when we can let go of worries and allow ourselves to rest. The same goes for our kids; they know that once you are there, they have nothing to worry about. You are their own personal superhero.
10. They tend to be around you
You might notice that they tend to be around the area where you are. If you are sitting in the living room, they may sit on the couch or play on the floor. If you are in the kitchen, they might choose to play somewhere nearby. This is because they enjoy being in your company, even if you are not talking or doing anything together.
To wrap up
Your child may not always tell you how much they love and appreciate you, or jump into your arms and give you a tight hug. But they will show their love for you in various small ways.
You just need to be paying attention and, as Rafiki once said, “Look beyond what you see.” This is the key to uncovering the true feelings hiding in their little hearts.
Psss… You might be interested in reading 8 Things You Need To Tell Your Child Today.
