Wellbeing
A Resource from the Fathering Project
Unconditional Love
Unconditional love is when your children know they are loved not because of what they do or don’t do. It is not based on their performance, marks at school, what they look like or what they are good at, but that you love them no matter what. They need to know 100 percent for sure that neither of their parents will put them down or hurt them.
Why is unconditional love important?
A Father’s love has lasting effects into adulthood and these close parent relationships are the biggest influence on your child’s development. Bonding with our children (from the moment they are born) helps our children learn that their world is safe and secure and that they are loved.
They need to be loved and valued as special and valuable people. Children need to know that they are valued, that you are interested in their thoughts, ideas and opinions, their appearance and their beliefs.
What can you do:
- Tell them they are loved simply because they are your child – not because of what they do or don’t do.
- Love unconditionally even when you disagree. During a disagreement it is especially important for your child knows you will still love them.
- Even when they’ve behaved badly tell them you love them, but that you don’t like their behaviour and you won’t put up with it.
- Set a goal to never end the day without letting your child know they are loved.
- Surprise them sometimes by telling them when they don’t expect it.
- Write how you feel in cards, notes, emails and text messages for them.
Brett Middleton
Wellbeing Coordinator