What is your grandparenting love language? In 1992, Dr. Gary Chapman, wrote a book called The 5 Love Languages. Since then, Chapman added to the book family by writing for different groups, including children. (The 5 Love Languages of Children) In his books, Dr. Chapman identifies the five ways most of us perceive that we are loved by those around us. The five ways are:
Words of Affirmation
Acts of Service
Receiving Gifts
Quality Time
Physical Touch
Considering the love languages as we interact with our grandchildren can be a great help in making our connections with them deep and lasting. When we learn what says, “I love you,” to a child will allow us to actively build deeper relationships. Deep connections lead to genuine trust. All children need adults they can trust, especially in the modern world where so many distractions can pull them away from family.
What happens when tweens and teens are faced with tough choices? What happens when they are faced with temptations outside their family’s values? Love and trust can be the lifeline they need in times of trouble IF we have worked to nurture such a family culture.
If you’ve never read or listened to one of Dr. Chapman’s books, I encourage you to make February, a month so focused on love, your time to do so. Here’s a link to the Audible version of The 5 Love Languages of Children:
See if you can identify the love languages of your grandchildren and find ways to engage them in those ways. The rewards of love are worth the effort it takes to nurture and grow it.
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