Chaplain's Spot
“Love languages’
The 5 Love Languages of Children is a book by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell. We all learn differently. We all receive life encouragement differently. We are all unique.
In this book Dr. Chapman explains, ``Every child has a primary language of love, a way in which he or she understands a parent's love best.'' There are five primary love languages: physical touch, words of affirmation, acts of service, gifts, and quality time.
- Physical Touch: these kids feel loved by lots of physical affection. Hugs, tickles, holding hands when you go on a walk. Each little touch from you reminds them of your love. They may also be very affectionate with other people.
I know that our grandchildren love being tickled. ‘I bet you can’t make me laugh’.
- Words of affirmation: these kids feel loved by words. Telling them how great they did or how much you appreciate them will mean the world to them! These children might take negative comments very hard.
I see wide smiles when we congratulate the grandkids on their achievements.
- Quality Time: these kids feel loved when you put down what you are doing and give them your undivided attention. They will be keenly aware if you are not fully present with them and they will crave time with you above all else.
Sometimes, just sitting watching a movie together with them can be so beneficial.
- Gifts: does your child ask for gifts? Sometimes we can misunderstand this as being selfish, but oftentimes we don’t think about the fact that it might be how they feel loved and valued by us. Children whose love language is gifts will feel noticed, appreciated, and important when we take the time to think of little trinkets and gifts that will speak to them.
When we bring back special magnets from our holidays, they love them.
- Acts of Service: these kids will feel loved when we do things for them. Maybe we make their bed one morning or brush their hair. Maybe this child asks you to do things you know they can do, not because they are dependant and/or lazy, but because having you do these things for them makes them feel treasured by you!
- My wife Bonnie is so good at this love language – the grandkids love it.
There are several websites that relate to love languages. This is one of those who offer a quiz, to help determine your child’s love language. https://5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/3
Community wellbeing:
Toast Tuesday: This free breakfast program runs before school in the SPC, open to all. Woolies Eastland helps support this weekly program with our toast spreads.
Baker Delight goods: We are thankful to Bakers Delight Heathmont, for their generous provision of loaves for Toast Tuesday. If your family would appreciate regular bread or rolls, please email me below, or see me at school.
Here is the link for our TT roster for Term 3. We will start next Tuesday 29th July.
Non-perishable items: We have had some food items donated by one of our families. Come and see us at Toast Tuesday to see if they would be helpful for your family.
Uniforms: Thank you to families who have donated no-longer-needed items back to our school community. It makes a tremendous difference to many families, to be able to access uniform items in good condition for gold coins. Come and check us out on Tuesdays if you need any items.
Contact: Feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss anything about the above, or anything that may be affecting your family. I am able to meet with students once, and for any further contact we ask parents/guardians to sign a Consent Form if they are happy for this connection.
Alan Silverwood: Chaplain - Pastoral care for our community. [Tuesday & Friday]
[alan.silverwood@education.vic.gov.au]
Supporting the School community in emotional, social, spiritual and practical wellbeing.
Our Chaplaincy program is funded by the Federal Government’s ‘National Student Wellbeing Program’, the GRPS School Council and donations.
