Kids today are exposed to a lot of not-so-reality romance-driven TV shows and movies. And despite the backward way many of those relationships are portrayed through secular media outlets, there is something special to this thing we call love!
In fact, the Bible mentions the word love close to 500 times. We read in 1 John 4:8 that God is love! And in John 3:16 we’re reminded of God’s phenomenal outpouring of love as we read, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
But, is love just an adult emotion?
Although immense and often difficult to describe, the feelings and actions of love are things we can teach our children. Love is a characteristic of God we want our kids to emulate. But how do we teach such a vast concept to younger children?
As kids are growing physically, they’re also developing in their emotional health. After all, God created your child’s feelings. He gives parents the opportunity to guide children in proper ways of dealing with emotions—including that of love.
Easy Ways Parents Can Teach Children to Love:
Model appropriately
Parents are the primary influencers of their children in all matters of life, so staying on a healthy track of relating to others around us is important for children to observe. Remember, they’re listening when you may not realize it! They’re watching your reactions when others may not be showing respect or love toward you. How you respond in your daily interactions makes a big impression on your children.
Communicate purposefully
Another way to teach children is through intentional discussions with them. This means talking with them about love, using words they’re familiar with. When children are older, you may use expressions you’re accustomed to using as an adult. But when kids are younger, you may need to adapt your communication to fit their age and level of understanding.
A few teaching tips when it comes to:
- Kindness
This is shown through caring ways as kids play and interact with others.
- Young children can be kind toward others in ways they take turns with toys.
- Kindness is also demonstrated as they learn to use nice words and gentle hands as they play together with friends.
- Some helpful Bible verses to share with your younger child are 1 Corinthians 13:4 which reminds us that “love is kind.”Another great Bible phrase on this topic is, “A friend loves at all times” (Prov. 17:17). These passages can be encouraging words to children as you talk with them about kindness.
- Truthfulness
Talk with your children about the importance of being reliable (truthful) in all we say to others.- When we keep our promises and show others that they can depend on us, trust is built in those relationships.
- Honesty with others is a way of showing respect to them.
- In 1 Corinthians 13:6, we read, “Love…rejoices with the truth.” Since God is love, He is our model of being a trustworthy, loving friend.
- Helpfulness
This mindset and behavior may start in the home as young children…- Help pick up their toys
- Place dirty clothes in the clothes hamper
- Set the table for mealtimes.
As children mature, show them opportunities for helping those outside the walls of your house. Helpfulness is a great way of showing genuine love to those around us!
As parents demonstrate these actions within our families and communities, our kids will pick up on the concept as well. Keep this focal verse in mind as you teach your children: “Let us love one another, for love comes from God” (1 John 4:7-8).