Let Your Words Speak "LOVE" the Loudest!

Well, it's February ya'll and you know what that means?! Love is in the air! While the very thought of Valentine's Day and mushy gushy, romantic love may be enough to make you roll your eyes and sigh a large sigh of contempt for a holiday that is focused on roses, cards, gifts, and romantic dinners...never fear! Today, we are going to talk about the kind of love that doesn't need the excuse of Valentine's Day to be used every day in every moment.

I am writing to you about love, not because I want to talk to you about romantic love, but about the kind of love that families share; the adoration and sacrificial love you have for you children; a love that would drive you to lay your life down for your family; a love that is faithful, forgiving, and most of all unconditional for your children and those around you. Love is such an important factor in our lives and in our childrens' lives. Love can be expressed through actions, through gifts, through time spent together, but most of all, through the words you speak everyday, in every moment.

Your children cling to every word you say. They remember these words, they repeat these words, and they learn to speak the same words that you speak. If your words are constantly harsh, demeaning, hateful, and crude, your children will express these same words to themselves, to their peers, and eventually back to you. How horrible it would be if we set an example to our children with words that DO NOT exude love and show how much we care about them and others?

I once read a quote that stated that "children are great imitators. So give them something great to imitate." I'm not sure who said those wise words, but think about it for a moment. Your children are constantly watching and listening to you. They will imitate your actions and imitate your words. Why would you want to give them words and actions that are unloving and unkind to imitate? Doesn't make much sense does it? Your words are a powerful resource for your children. They come to you to hear words of affirmation, words of encouragement, and most of all words of love. Recognize that your words have the capacity to speak 'love' the loudest, but that also means your words have the capacity to speak 'hatred' the loudest as well.

Find a way to practice kind words of love to your children, your spouse or partner, and even to yourself. Learn to be uplifting and encouraging with your words - express positive statements that build your children and others up, and leave unkind words unsaid. Isn't that the golden rule? "If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say it at all." This "rule" may seem kind of silly, but really these words are important words to live by. Your children need you to affirm that they are important, that they are special, and that they are loved. Let your words express this love in every moment, even when their behavior is disrespectful or unloving. Find a way to express love through your words even then.

Let your words speak 'love' the loudest this February and Valentine's season. You don't have to celebrate or recognize Valentine's Day to express love through your actions and your words every day. Have a great week and enjoy your kids!