Children Need More Than
Chocolate on Valentine's Day

(HealthScoutNews) -- Valentine's Day isn't just an opportunity to express your love for your significant other. It's also a good day to let your children know how much you love them.

But don't limit that show of affection to just one day a year. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers tips on how parents can demonstrate how much they care for their children every day of the year.

The advice includes:

• Use plenty of positive words with your child.

• Banish put-downs from your parenting vocabulary. Respond promptly to your child's physical and emotional needs.

• Go the extra distance to set a good example at home and in public. Use words like "thank you," "please," and "I'm sorry."

• When your child is in a bad mood, angry or argumentative, give him a hug, cuddle, pat, or other kind of affection that he likes.

• Use non-violent forms of discipline.

• Spend time with your child alone doing something she enjoys.

• Help your child develop self-esteem. You can do that be providing steady support and encouragement in order to help your child discover her strengths.

• Say "I love you" to children of all ages.

More Information

The U.S. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development has an information booklet about parenting.

Reference Source 89

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