The World of Relationships and Dating

Even though Valentine's has passed, here are some year-round strategies from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) (with my two cents added in!) for letting your children know that you love them.

1. Use plenty of positive words with your child--when he or she honestly deserves it. Positives are great, but you don't want to overdo them either, such as always telling your child, "Great job!" even when it isn't. Instead of insincere praise, you can say, "I like the way you worked so hard on your homework." So go ahead and be honest with your child; for example, saying something like, "I don't think that was your best effort" is a fair and reasonable thing to say sometimes, and it won't hurt feelings.

2. Banish put-downs from your parenting vocabulary. Don't call your child names or make comments like "How could you be so stupid?" Try to avoid using sarcasm, too; children often don't understand it and, if they do, you'll immediately find yourselves having a negative interaction.

3. Be available to listen to your child when he or she wants to talk with you, even if it's not completely convenient.

4. Make an extra effort to set a good example, both at home and in public. Use "I'm sorry," "Please," and "Thank you" with your children and with others.

5. Hug and kiss