| When you compose your gift list this year stop and | | | | George hugs and cuddles more to show Lily how very |
| consider that what kids really want is love--your love. | | | | very much he loves her. She feels still deeper hurt, not |
| Sure, they will ask for electronics, games., books, | | | | hearing the words and not caring about the touching. |
| clothes--all the usual stuff from the store. However, | | | | As parents, you want your kids to have the best of |
| kids, like adults, deep down want to know, beyond a | | | | everything. Your love, coming in the form that spells |
| shadow of a doubt, that you love them, cherish | | | | out "I love you" in your little person's terms is giving |
| them--just exactly the way they are and, maybe even | | | | them the best life has to offer. Now how do you |
| more importantly, the way they aren't. I am not talking | | | | create a gift of love? With the knowledge of what |
| about unconditional love. There is no distinction | | | | love is for your young person, find as many ways as |
| between love and unconditional love. Either you love | | | | you can to express that love. One popular activity in |
| someone no matter what they do in life or you don't. | | | | my home when my kids were young--that extended |
| Period (Everyone occasionally makes mistakes or | | | | into their teen years--was going on dates. Mom would |
| does something that disappoints or hurts your feelings | | | | have a date with each child and Dad would have a |
| knowingly or, more commonly, without knowing.) If your | | | | date with each child. Or maybe make it a monthly |
| youngster needs to behave a certain a way or not | | | | deal--something to look forward to. A date is |
| behave a certain way to feel loved you are placing | | | | interactive time together doing something you both |
| conditions on your so-called love. Think about loving | | | | enjoy. Note, watching a movie is not a date; it is two |
| your child sometimes and not loving him at other times. | | | | people watching actors do what they enjoy. Engage in |
| Thinking about it? Well, you really can't, can you? What | | | | some activity that allows you to talk and connect. Do |
| a ludicrous concept! Can't even get your head around | | | | you know that most kids have no clue that you have |
| it, right? Either you love your child or you do not love | | | | a life apart from being their parent? Even into the teen |
| your child. Please realize that your child is a person | | | | years, most kids think you are all about being there for |
| who exhibits behaviors. Your young person may do | | | | them. Well, of course you are about being there for |
| things or not do things to your liking. And you always | | | | them and you have your own feelings, thoughts, and |
| love your kid. You may not like the behaviors. You | | | | interests. If you do not enjoy what you do with your |
| may completely disapprove of or ban those behaviors | | | | child--trust me, your child will know it. Both of you will |
| from the house and you still love that young | | | | feel miserable. Kids grow up so fast. In the blink of an |
| person--the real person inside. Something else about | | | | eye they are out the door. Savor every minute you |
| love--every person has his own unique definition of | | | | can get with your child and know what an honor and |
| love. Some people only feel love when they the hear | | | | privilege it is to be a parent. Enjoy your children. Make |
| words, "I love you." Others want hugs. Some want | | | | your holidays great! |
| gifts. The list of ways to show love goes on forever. | | | | Ali Bierman is the proud mother of two great |
| Want to know the biggest most thoughtful gift you can | | | | adults.While raising her kids she also enjoyed working |
| give your kid? Ask him what he needs from you to | | | | in the schools as a volunteer and teacher, on the |
| know, absolutely and positively, that you love him. No | | | | soccer fields as a coach, and in crisis care as a |
| guessing allowed. So very many people walk around | | | | psychotherapist. She brings her love and experience to |
| thinking no one loves them. How can that happen? For | | | | parents sharing how to raise kids who can be, do and |
| George, love means hugging and cuddling. Lily knows | | | | have anything they want by listening to your heart and |
| love when she hears the spoken words, "I love you." | | | | following your gut. In addition to speaking and |
| George hugs and cuddles with Lily thinking she knows | | | | mentoring, Ali Bierman's parenting books include the |
| he loves her so very much. She feels hurt and thinks | | | | popular ebook, Parents, Are You Making These |
| George is just meeting his own need for touching. | | | | 17MIstakes With Your Child? |