Whether exchange days are new or old, they can be an adjustment for children. Adapting to new environments isn’t always easy, and now they have two new home environments to make adjustments to. Whether it’s a brand new home or a home without two parents, kids will feel the impact.
But, the real question is, how can you best support them?
Kids ultimately need the basic fundamentals to thrive. They need love, security, consistency, safety, boundaries, and happy parents. And, speaking of love how does your child prefer to receive love? Many times we often make the mistake of giving love to others based on how we like to receive it. But, what if you’re giving your child love the way you like to be loved and it’s not their love language? They might feel unloved while you thought this whole time you are giving them love. This happens in a lot of relationships and why so many couples can end up disconnected or divorced.
Let’s figure out how your child likes to receive love. Click here to see which love language your child or teen prefers.
Here is how to support your children on exchange days by giving them, love:
1.Acts of Service
When it comes to expressing love through acts of service actions speak louder. This can involve doing things for children like making their favorite dinner or snack, fixing a toy, or folding their laundry. It can also mean taking care of them when they are not feeling well, or lending a listening ear when they need to talk. By taking care of the little things, you can show your child that you truly care about them.
2.Receiving Gifts
Children love receiving gifts, especially if they feel that the gift has been given with love. One way to ensure that your child feels loved when they receive a gift is to choose something that is personal and meaningful. It doesn't have to be expensive; a homemade card, picked flowers, or a small note in their lunchbox that reminds you of them. Whatever you do, take the time to let your child know why you chose the gift and how much you care about them. A little effort goes a long way in showing your child just how much you love them. And, by no means do you need to provide extravagant gifts as that can add up quickly. Often kids will have more than one love language so if you didn’t get a chance to get them something small or make them something, opt for one of their other love languages.
3.Quality Time
One of the most important things you can do for your child is to spend quality time with them. This means making an effort to listen to them and engaging in activities that they enjoy. It can be hard to find the time with how busy life is, but even just a few minutes of undivided attention can make a big difference. When you are spending time with your child, try to put away all distractions and really focus on them. This will help them feel valued and appreciated. Additionally, try to be creative and come up with new ways to have fun together. This could mean playing games, singing songs, having a dance party, reading books, being creative, finding a hobby to do together, or just sitting and chatting. When you take the time to connect with your child in this way, it sends a powerful message of love and acceptance.
4.Physical Touch
One of the most important ways to show a child love is through physical touch. This can be something as simple as a hug, or it can be more involved, like cuddling up on the couch. Physical touch helps children to feel safe and secure, and it is a way to communicate emotions like happiness, comfort, and love. It also helps to build bonds between people, which is why it is so important for parents to frequently be physically affectionate with children. In addition to giving physical affection, it is also important to be responsive to a child's needs for affection. This means not only providing physical affection when the child wants it but also being attuned to when the child might need some extra warmth and comfort. By being responsive to a child's needs, parents can help ensure that the child feels loved and supported.
5.Words of Affirmations
As parents, you want nothing more than for your children to be happy and loved. Every child is unique and deserves to be celebrated for their own special talents and qualities. When you take the time to affirm your children with kind words, you let them know that they are valued and appreciated. This in turn helps to build their self-esteem and confidence. They can be as simple as telling your child that you love them, or as specific as congratulating them on a job well done. No matter what form they take, words of affirmation are always welcome by children of all ages. So the next time you’re looking for a way to show your child some love when they come, try using words of affirmation. It’s a surefire way to put a smile on their face.
Whatever your child’s love language, just being there for them and believing in them goes a long way. Children are simple when it comes to their needs, just like us. They want to feel loved, heard, respected, and understood. It's simply human nature. If you feel your child is struggling with transitioning from house to house, reach out to chat further about how you can become the support system they need. We know every home and child is unique.
