Love is the key! 
Everyone needs to feel loved and cared about. No one can interact with others perfectly, but if the children in your life feel loved and cared about, they will work harder and be more successful.
Here are a few ideas to help children feel your unconditional love for them:
- Express your love for them individually. Make it personal and real.
- Use Active Listening. Repeat back to them what they have said in an understanding manner.
- Ask them a specific question about themselves. I like to have free time first, so I can have some personal interaction with as many students as possible before starting class.
- An affectionate touch or hug. Never force a hug or affection. Sometimes a one-armed side hug, a hand on the shoulder or hand makes all the difference. If you listen with your heart you will know when it is needed.
- A personal smile.
- Give them a personal simple task to help you. We all need to be needed. Incorporate helpers in your day. Make helping a pleasure not a chore! “You get to” or “I need you to”, not “you have to”, makes all the difference.
- One on one or small group activities help them see you care. Try handwriting practice in a tray or plate of cornmeal or finger painting.
Sit back and quietly observe with an open mind. Open your heart! Taking time for each child will eliminate future possible discipline problems. Act don’t React! Enjoy your time with the children in your life. Make each day a treasure; we never know what tomorrow brings.
Give us your comments on how you help children feel loved. Have a great day!
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