30 Ways to Say I Love You

Written by Doris Schuchard

This article is courtesy of  HomeLife Magazine

The Five Love Languages of Children

Has your child had a "Wow – that's terrific!" moment lately? Perhaps he won the class spelling bee. Or maybe she remembered to practice the piano without being reminded. Every child wants to be encouraged when he or she is successful in learning and doing new things. Try one of these creative and fun activities the next time you want to tell your child, "I love you."

1. Write a note on the napkin you put in his lunchbox.
2. Add your congratulations to schoolwork or artwork displayed on the refrigerator. You can do this with a handwritten note, or you can purchase stickers with appropriate sentiments.
3. Attach a note to your child's favorite stuffed toy, and leave it on her pillow when you have to be out late.
4. Create a handmade bookmark with a special message.
5. Write a "good morning" greeting on the bathroom mirror with soap.
6. When you give your child a book, write a personal message and the date inside.
7. Buy a calendar and write a brief description of daily activities and accomplishments in the appropriate spaces; she can go back later and enjoy reading about her life.
8. Print an inspirational quote or Bible verse, and put it in a magnetic photo frame for your child's locker.
9. Record a cassette or video telling him how much he means to you. Add greetings and words of encouragement from friends and relatives.
10. Frame a photo of your child making that winning score or receiving an award, and attach a congratulatory note.
11. Spell out a colorful "I love you" message with magnetic letters on the refrigerator.
12. Create a banner to hang over your child's bedroom door.
13. Write a message or Scripture reference on a tiny piece of paper, and put it in a locket she can wear close to her heart.
14. When you're on a trip, mail a postcard each day. (You may need to mail the first one before you go!) Or leave notes at home for your spouse to give to your child each day.
15. On note cards, write a Bible verse or words of encouragement for each family member. Use them as place cards for the dinner table.
16. Slip a note and a special snack into your child's suitcase for the next sleepover at Grandma's or at a friend's house.
17. Roll up a note, slip it inside a balloon, and then blow up the balloon. Let your child pop the balloon to find the message. (Not recommended for younger children.)
18. Blow up a balloon, but don't tie it off. Write a message with a permanent marker on the outside, and then deflate the balloon. Have your child blow it up and read the message. (Not recommended for younger children.)
19. Cut a note into several pieces, and let your child put it together like a puzzle. Glue it on brightly colored paper.
20. Write a message in icing on a cake or giant cookie, or even on a pizza with squeeze cheese.
21. Create a certificate for a job well done.
22. Email or mail your child a thank-you card for helping around the house.
23. White-out the "balloons" in a comic strip and write in your own message.
24. Leave an encouraging note in your child's desk on open house night at school.
25. Spell out a message to your child on a Scrabble® game board.
26. Write a "secret" message in a simple code.
27. Gather the family for charades. Pantomime your children's accomplishments for them to guess.
28. Leave a trail of Hershey®'s Hugs & Kisses® candy your child can follow to an "I love you" message.
29. Put a note into a wide-mouth plastic bottle and float it in your child's bath water.
30. For a special achievement, fill a piñata with notes of congratulations and several small treats.

Here's Help

Here are some simple ideas to get you started, complete with a small gift suggestion to go with your message:

• "A big kiss from Dad and Mom." – chocolate kiss candy
• "You're sugar and spice and everything nice." – ginger snaps
• "Good 4 you." – four of any assorted treat
• "You deserve a big bear hug!" – teddy bear
• "You're tops!" – toy top
• "You're #1." – shiny penny or dollar bill
• "You're purr-fect!" – small stuffed cat
• "You're a superstar!" – star stickers
• "You mean the world to me!" – write it on a map or small globe
• "You aced that one!" – deck of cards with the ace attached to the outside
• "You make me smile!" – lip balm or wax lips candy
• "I c you." – heart-shaped candy
• "You went the extra mile!" – colorful shoe laces
• "You're a treasure to me." – chocolate gold coin candy
• "You've grown in so many ways." – a ruler or a small plant
• "We think you're fantastic!" – pretty paper fan or small desk fan
• "You brighten my day." – pretty candle or small flashlight

Doris Schuchard is a freelance writer in Lawrenceville, Georgia.