How do you tell or show your children-they can be grown and still count-that you love them without actually saying the words "I LOVE YOU"?
I try to show an interest in my childrens interests (schoolwork, art that she made, pokemon cards even if I don't get it, lol), lots of praise, playing, hugs and kisses.
Taking my oldest (17) shopping and then going to dinner afterwards. We have not been getting along very well lately and I don't show it as much as I do with the younger ones. But when I do I try to make her laugh or feel appreciated. The last good mom and daughter time we had is I did her hair and we had a lot of fun.
Sometimes I cuddle and rock the baby (19 mo) and don't say anything and just look into her eyes and I feel that is a very loving moment between the two of us.
My 6 year old son and I have this look that I can't describe and it is sort of like a smile but different and we say "I LOVE YOU" with that expression. Moms may know what I mean, lol.
2007-01-19 08:12:13 · 7 answers · asked by LS 4 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
For the member railroad: This question is not about NOT ever saying I LOVE YOU its about how you express it! You took the whole question wrong.
2007-01-19 08:35:59 · update #1
To the member lariat_so: I appreciate that you gave your input from a man's point of view and 'No' your post was not too long, it was very well put, thanks. I am sorry you lost your wife, too. :(
2007-01-19 08:41:03 · update #2
Kids are too busy having fun and living their lives to notice all the great things moms do for them. They take the love for granted and rightly so, as we did as small children with our parents. I don't think you have to worry about them not knowing, each child is different and you convey that love in the way that works best with them.
A teen is confused, under pressure by their peers, struggling to find their place in society. She knows you love her, she doesn't need to hear it right now cause she is busy trying to sort things out and mushiness (love) from parents is not high on the priority list. They are just trying to deal with each day the best way they can. They will come to you when they need extra hugs or love, they will let you know.
It might seem that they have outgrown you, but they haven't. They would be lost without you, because they know you look after everything.
Saying hello when they come home, grounding them when they blow curfew, getting them to clean their room, making them do dishes or take out the garbage, those are all the things we do for t hem to show them we love them and they know it.
They know mom will give them boundaries and moms word is final, you are their tower of strength and you hold the family together, so don't ever think your kids don't know. They know, and their friends know too.
2007-01-19 08:34:09 · answer #1 · answered by doclakewrite 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This answer is from a man, so I hope you don't mind.
It is never to late to tell your children you love them. My daughter, and I, who is age 36 have always had a close relationship. She has made some bad mistakes in her life, (MEN), but she knows I am always their for her. We live a great distance apart. She lives in Massachusetts, and I live in South Carolina. However, when ever she just needs someone to talk to she knows to call. We never end a call without saying I LOVE YOU!!
My son, who is 34, and I have not had that kind of relationship. He went through the drug faze, and I showed him tough love. It took his mother's death for us both to realize the years we wasted not saying I LOVE YOU!! I talk to him every week by phone and we never hang up without saying I LOVE YOU!!
My point is: We never know what might happen, so don't waste the time thinking what can I do to show her I LOVE HER!!
Take time, and sit her down, and tell her, I LOVE YOU!!
I apologize if this answer has been so long.
2007-01-19 08:35:55 · answer #2 · answered by lariat_sonata 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are doing a great job. I have a 19, 9 and 5 year old. My son, when the youngest was still a baby, said I know you love them more, he knew it was not true, but I think it was his way of saying I need attention too, or giving me a guilt trip to get what he wanted.
2007-01-19 08:24:05 · answer #3 · answered by pepsiolic 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you're doing a great job to me, Cuddle the baby, look at the 6 year old in that special way, and argue with the teenager. Yep, all perfectly valid parenting techniques. My eldest is 19 now and at Uni in the UK (I'm in spain) but arguing was I main form of communication when she lived at home. We get on great.
2007-01-19 08:18:27 · answer #4 · answered by gerrifriend 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you are a good mom. your daughter knows you love by the way you are. remember to tell her once in a while and do little things for her that will help to. i am a mom of a 16 yr.old boy and we have are moments where we fight and argue but then there are really good times just try not to take her to seriously right now . she loves you and you must always remember that. time will tell allot for you and your daughter good luck
2007-01-19 08:41:56 · answer #5 · answered by mary m 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You're doing all you can. Stay involved and let them know your there. Actions speak louder than words sometimes. They know you love them. It is easier to be close with some children more then others. They get older and want to be independent. But I definitely know what you mean.
2007-01-19 08:26:52 · answer #6 · answered by crazy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The child no matter the age, still and wants to hear the words "I LOVE YOU".
2007-01-19 08:33:42 · answer #7 · answered by railroad_joe 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋