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In this week’s edition of Bridgeway Voice
- Learn about the five love languages
- Discover your child’s love language
- Cool Treats: Banana Pudding Pops
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| Love Speaks Many Languages |
Children express and receive love in different ways–some through acts of service; others through affirming words; still others through gifts, quality time or physical touch. Each of these expressions of love represents a different “language.” By understanding the five love languages, we can more easily discern the emotional needs of our children. Here’s a brief description of each love language: 
Words of affirmation.
Compliments such as “Your hair looks nice today!” or “Great game tonight!” go a long way with a child who thrives on praise. Your words can focus on personality, accomplishments, outward appearance or anything else that affirms.
Acts of service.
Learn which acts of service are important to your child. Does he feel loved when you help him with homework? Or teach him to throw a ball? Once you’ve discovered the acts of service your child most appreciates, perform them often.
Gifts. Children with this love language treasure gifts as a tangible token of affection. Gifts don’t need to be expensive or given everyday, but recognizing that a child prefers to be rewarded with a pack of gum rather than a hug is an important step in building communication.
Quality time. Children who speak this love language seek undivided attention. The activity is not important; the time together is. For a child with siblings, one-on-one time may be difficult. He needs to know that he is worthy of your undivided attention.
Physical touch. As children get older, they still long for physical attention–something as simple as a touch on the arm, a pat on the back, a hug. These gestures are especially important to the child with this love language. He wants to literally feel your love.
Excerpt from Love Speaks Many Languages by Heidi Krumenauer, Focus on the Family: Aug./Sept. 2009.
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| Cool Treats: Banana Pudding Pops |
These banana popsicles taste rich and decadent but are low-fat and really easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1/3 C. light brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
- 2 C. low-fat milk
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 C. (about 2 large) diced bananas
Directions
- Whisk sugar to taste, cornstarch, and salt in a large saucepan. Add milk and whisk until combined. Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking occasionally. Boil, whisking constantly, for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla.
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Put about half the pudding in a food processor or blender and add bananas. Process until smooth. (Use caution when pureeing hot liquids.) Stir the mixture back into the remaining pudding.
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Divide the mixture among freezer-pop molds. Insert the sticks and freeze until completely firm, about 6 hours. Dip the molds briefly in hot water before unmolding.
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Parent Tip: Discover Your Child’s Love Language
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How can you figure out which language your children speak most fluently? Here are a few clues to help in your discovery:
- Observe how your child expresses love to you. Be particularly aware of languages that aren’t natural to you.
- Watch how she expresses love to others.
- Listen to what your child requests most often. As you learn to interpret his requests, you may hear his primary love language.
- Listen to your child’s most frequent complaints. When you stop to consider his whining and grumbling, the results may surprise you. His complaints may be related to one of the love languages.
- Put your child in situations that offer a choice between two love languages. The one he chooses most often may be his primary love language.
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