With Love From Daddy
by: Robert Nickell
Every February, super markets and stores nationwide adorn
their aisles with heart-shaped trinkets, red and pink ribbons and lots of chocolates.
And each year, around that time, I am reminded how important it is to continue
teaching my children about love.
With six kids spanning in age
from 8 months to 25 years old, I’ve found it possible and helpful to teach love
through the following three ways:
Example: The age-old saying, “lead by example” remains true even
when teaching about love. You can talk about it all you want, but your children
will learn the most when they watch you engaging, developing and strengthening
loving relationships. The feelings of love and compassion should be extended
past your family to show a greater sense of care and selflessness with every
interaction you encounter throughout each day.
Contact: Sharing in personal contact is an excellent way to help
your children learn about love and showing love in relationships. Have them
volunteer their time within their community if they are old enough. Spending a
day at a homeless shelter, a soup kitchen or even an animal shelter will help
children develop a greater sense of kindness and compassion. If you have young
children, encourage them to physically help a friend or a sibling by lending a
hand and helping with whatever is needed.
Practice: It’s not always easy, but it’s important to lead your
children to a life of positive, loving relationships. Keep in mind it may be a
difficult thing for your children to learn too. There will be instances when
they don’t act in an appropriate manner, and you need to be there to help them
learn from those moments. Keep practicing, and in time, your child will build
and strengthen loving relationships and you will be reminded of your great successes
in life and parenting.
Remember to lead by example,
encourage contact and interactions and keep practicing – that goes for you and
your children!
Sincerely,
Daddy Nickell
Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of 6,
offers his "5 cents" worth of advice to expectant and new parents.
Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddyscrubs.com, delivery room duds and
daddy gear for dads, and the Daddyscrubs.com blog where he covers topics
about parenting and the latest baby and kids gear, all from a Dad's
perspective.
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