14 Ways to Show Love for Your Child This Valentine's Day and Every Day (Part 2)

 Last week we talked about the first 7 ways to show your child love on Valentine’s Day and everyday from an article from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Here are 7 more ways. Happy Valentine’s Day.

1. Getting a pet can make children, especially those with chronic illnesses and disabilities, feel better by stimulating physical activity, enhancing their overall attitude, and offering constant companionship. This is a great way to show your love for your child and help them develop a love for animals.
2. Show your love through healthy cooking, together. One of the best ways to familiarize your child with good food choices is to encourage them to cook with you. Let them get involved in the entire process, from planning the menus to shopping for ingredients to the actual food preparation and its serving. It is wonderful when families eat together as much as possible. Good food, good conversations.
3. As your child grows up, he or she will spend most of her time developing and refining a variety of skills and abilities in all areas of their life. You should help them as much as possible by encouraging them and providing the equipment and instruction they need. Start reading to your child beginning at six months and put limits on TV watching, particularly for young children and preschoolers.
4.  Show your love through good health. Your child's health depends significantly on the care and guidance you offer during their early years. By taking your child to the doctor regularly for preventive health care visits, keeping them safe from accidents, providing a nutritious diet, and encouraging exercise throughout childhood, you help protect and strengthen their body.
5. Help your child foster positive relationships with friends, siblings and members of the community.
6. One of your most important gifts as a parent is to help your child develop self-esteem. Your child needs your steady support and encouragement to discover their strengths. They need you to believe in them as they learn to believe in themselves. Loving them, spending time with them, listening to them and praising their accomplishments are all part of this process. 
7.  Don't forget to say, "I love you" to children of all ages!

Source: http://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/Pages/14-Ways-to-Show-Love-for-Your-Child-This-Valentine%27s-Day.aspx