Decode Your CHILD'S LOVE LANGUAGE

Paying attention to your child is the first step in identifying their primary love language, writes Kayal Arivalan

- Kayal Arivalan

Love is the driving force behind every successful relationship, and the parent-child relationship is no exception. However, unlike others, this bond is strengthened through actions – love languages – rather than words. It’s easier to raise a child when you speak their love language. It allows you to make your child feel loved and, hopefully, improve their mood if they are feeling down or upset.

In his 1992 book The 5 Love Languages, marriage counsellor and author Dr Gary Chapman wrote about important signs that children display and why it’s necessary for parents to recognise them. There are five different ways in which children show their love: words of affirmation, spending time together, getting gifts, physical touch, and doing things for other people.

“Kids are naturally curious and like to be around people who make them feel good,” shares Dr Wilona Annunciation, consultant psychiatrist and trainer – Founder Catalysts, Thane. “They are sensitive and like to be around people who love them, bring them gifts, and join in their games. Most young children, however, don’t have the words to describe how they feel. Instead, they show how they feel in different ways – through their body language, facial expressions, behaviour, and play, all of which form their love language.”

WHY YOU NEED TO KNOW YOUR CHILD’S LOVE LANGUAGE