An interesting question, and there are many varied answers. Many books have been written about LOVE. Is LOVE real, is it a feeling, is it a wish, is it an act, or is it something that romantic writers have invented? What is love ??
A friend emailed me a result that a group of professionals got when they asked this question: What does love mean? to a group of children from 4 to 8 years old. The responses they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. Here are some resulting quotes.
When my grandmother had arthritis, she could no longer bend over and paint her toenails. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when her hands also have arthritis. That’s love. 8-year-old Rebecca.
Love is when you go out to eat and give someone most of your fries without giving you any of theirs. Chrissy- age 6.
Love is what makes you smile when you are tired. Terri-age 4.
Love is when my mommy makes my daddy coffee and takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure it tastes good. Danny, 7 years old.
Love is what ?? in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen. Bobby-7 years [WOW].
If you want to learn to love better, you must start with a friend you hate. Nikka-6 years.
During my piano recital, I was on stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people who were looking at me and I saw my dad waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. He was no longer scared. Cindy-8 years
My mommy loves me more than anyone. You don’t see anyone kissing me to sleep at night. Clean 6.
Love is when mommy gives daddy the best piece of chicken.
Elaine, 5 years old.
You really shouldn’t say “I love you” unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget. Jessica- 8 years.
Author and speaker Leo Buscaglia once spoke about a contest that asked him to be the judge. The purpose of the contest was to find the most loving child.
The winner was a four-year-old boy whose next door neighbor was an older man who had recently lost his wife. Seeing the man cry, the boy entered the old gentleman’s yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his mother asked him what he had said to the neighbor, the boy said: “Nothing, I just helped him cry.”
So, as you can see from the various answers, LOVE is not just a feeling or a whim. Love is an action. Something you do for someone you love. Is LOVE an action? How do you see LOVE?
I believe that LOVE is a DECISION. You make your own decision about how you see things and act accordingly. LOVE is the greatest force on this Earth. People will move mountains for it and even die for LOVE.
Many songs have been written about LOVE and one that comes to mind quickly is “ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE”. by the Beatles. The power of LOVE is exalted and that LOVE is everything.
LOVE has many facets, there is more than one type of love. CS Lewis has written about the different types of LOVE. For a small example of love between husband and wife, mother and child, brothers, the LOVE of God and many others.
LOVE the greatest force on this earth resides in every parent and child. This is why you see many parents forgo a few luxuries just to make sure their children are fed and clothed. If there is any foreseeable danger, parents will risk their lives to protect and safeguard their loved ones. They will fight tooth and nail to defend their children in all situations, regardless of the odds.
LOVE, like everything in this world, needs to be fostered and kept alive in all families. All parties involved must be vigilant. LOVE Toddlers is basically where you, as a parent, will have to get into a routine, in which you and your wonderful children spend quality time together every day. This may involve playing games, reading, or just sharing about the day you had. Doing little things that will please each other works wonders in this environment.
Living in a loving environment will help the child to grow up with confidence and have great self-esteem. They will be able to discuss problems and not have fights, because they will respect each other. Forgiveness will come easily and your home will be at peace. Children will feel safe taking risks without retaliation because they will know where they stand with their parents and how far they can go with certain actions. When LOVE is present there is no fear, children will be able to develop their potential in life.
Andrew Borodin
[http://www.parent-child-help.com]
