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