Even if you haven’t read the bestselling book, you’re probably familiar with the gist of “The 5 Love Languages.” According to author Gary Chapman, there are five distinct ways that each of us prefers to give and receive love: words of affirmation, acts of service, gifts, quality time and physical touch. He explains that the key to building stronger relationships, whether with a spouse, a child or a friend, is to speak the other person’s love language.
My first grader, for example, craves physical touch. He can’t get enough hugs and kisses, loves to snuggle on the couch and is constantly climbing into my lap. My fourth grader, on the other hand, wants to be hugged too but really lights up when I can focus my attention on him. He feels loved when we have one-on-one time to take a walk, do a crossword puzzle or play a game together.
Keeping in mind that all children (and adults, for that matter) respond to different kinds of affection, in our February 2021 digital issue we’re sharing 24 creative ways to show them that you care. These ideas are perfect for Valentine’s Day or any day of the year. And to make February 14 even more special, we have a heart-shaped cookie recipe and books about love and the other sweet parts of life.
Of course, February is also Black History Month, and there are so many important stories to share about the contributions of Black men, women and children to American history. We explore one of them in our interview with Louisa Jagger, author of a new children’s picture book about James Herman Banning, the first Black man to fly a plane across the U.S.
Last year we were lucky to have Silver Spring mom Lindsay Ponta contribute crafty DIY projects for parents and kids. Get to know her better in this month’s Parent You Should Know column.
I hope your February is filled with love and joy. Happy reading!
