Chaplain's Spot
Love languages tips for children
One of my helpful books as a parent has been the one above. We know that children learn in different ways. They also have love languages, through which they express and receive love best – quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, acts of service and physical touch.
At the end of the 5 main chapters is a summary of ideas, from which you can choose tips which will be best for your child. Here are a few examples. I am not going to quote them all of course, but I will give you a taste of each list. There are also posters in Google images that summarise some of these ideas.
Quality time:
Sit together and look through photos of memories shared. [done! fun!]
When you go with them to the park, play with them, not just sat and watch them. [ditto]
Organise a date time, making special memories together.
Words of affirmation:
Put a post-it-note in their lunch box with some encouraging words [I’ve done that].
Place their artwork in significant places to show how important it is to you. [on the fridge!]
When they are feeling down, share 5 reasons why you are proud of them.
Gifts:
Consider a gift that lasts, such as a plant, or a board or card game. [Crazy 8’s]
Make a special meal you know they like, or go to a favourite restaurant. [fun and delicious]
Keep a small collection of inexpensive gifts to surprise them.
Acts of service:
Occasionally wake up early to make a special surprise breakfast.
Help your child practice for their sports team.
Teach them about serving others, by observing you in a community activity. [certainly did]
Physical touch:
Snuggle closely together on the couch when watching a TV movie or show. [definitely!]
Occasionally call out ‘group hug’, including pets if that works.
Give high-fives when they have accomplished something special.
I’d like to share one more which is part of my experience as a Grandpa. It relates to physical touch, as well as quality time, and even acts of service. It is ‘tickle time’. I am blessed to have 5 grandchildren, ranging from 12 to almost 2. ‘You can’t make me laugh Grandpa’, or ‘tickle time!’ They are such positive fun times of connection, and they are important to them … and me.
Do you know your child’s love language? You can Google ‘kids love languages test’ if you would find that helpful. We all need inspiration as parents, or grandparents. Have fun discovering and experiencing amazing times between you and your children.
Fun lunch-time games activity:
On Friday lunchtimes, I run a games club. We usually have a variety of card and board games, plus a variety of other games. Jason worked well to create a well-balanced masterpiece from Jenga blocks. Here it is! Well done Jason.
Community wellbeing:
Toast Tuesday: This free breakfast program runs weekly on Tuesdays at 8.30am until the first bell in the SPC, and is open to all students. Woolies Eastland helps support this weekly program with a monthly gift card for our toast spreads.
We would love to have a couple more parent helpers on our team. You need to have a current ‘Working with Children’ card. My wife Bonnie coordinates the team each week. There are 2 rostered on with her. The link to the roster is volunteersignup.org/9MJL8
Baker Delight goods: We are thankful to Bakers Delight Heathmont, for their generous provision of loaves for Toast Tuesday. If you would appreciate regular bakery items, please email me, or see me at school. They are available at Toast Tuesday, or given to your child.
Second-hand uniforms: If you need any uniforms, we have a large supply of second-hand items in good condition. Gold coins are all you need. Check our stock at Toast Tuesday. There are many skorts, shorts and track pants, as well as polo shirts and jackets.
Contact: I am happy to meet with any parents who would like to chat about life. Come and see me on Tuesdays or Fridays. I am happy to chat about family, fears, faith, friends, food [lack of] or anything really. Email me if you would to do so.
I can meet with students once, and for further contact we ask parents to sign a Consent Form. If you would like a form, I can send one home or email one to you.
Alan Silverwood: Chaplain - Pastoral care for our community. [Tuesday & Friday]
[alan.silverwood@education.vic.gov.au]
Supporting GRPS community in emotional, social, spiritual & practical wellbeing.
Our Chaplaincy program is funded by the Federal Government’s ‘National Student Wellbeing Program’, the GRPS School Council and donations.
