“Kids can walk around
trouble,
if there is someplace to
walk to,
and someone to walk with.”
From Urban Sanctuaries
by Milbrey W. McLaughlin, et al
~
“What Love means to a 4-8 year old . . .
Touching words from the mouth of babes.
A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8
year-olds, ‘What does love mean?’ The answers they got were broader and deeper
than anyone could have imagined.. See what you think:
’When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over and paint her
toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his
hands got arthritis too. That’s love.’ Rebecca- age 8
’When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know
that your name is safe in their mouth.’ Billy – age 4
‘Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries
without making them give you any of theirs.’ Chrissy – age 6
‘Love is what makes you smile when you’re tired.’ Terri – age 4
‘Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before
giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.’ Danny – age 7
‘Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents
and listen.’ Bobby – age 7friends even
after they know each other so well.’ Tommy – age 6
‘Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday.’
Noelle – age 7
‘Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still
‘During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the
people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one
doing that. I wasn’t scared anymore.’ Cindy – age 8
‘My mommy loves me more than anybody You don’t see anyone else kissing me to
sleep at night.’ Clare – age 6
‘Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day’
Mary Ann – age 4
‘I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and
has to go out and buy new ones.’ Lauren – age 4
‘Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn’t think it’s gross.’
Mark – age 6
‘You really shouldn’t say ‘I love you’ unless you mean it. But if you mean it,
you should say it a lot. People forget.’ Jessica – age 8
And the final one — Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a
contest he was asked to judge. The purpose of the contest was to find the most
caring child. The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was
an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry,
the little boy went into the old gentleman’s yard, climbed onto his lap, and
just sat there. When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the
little boy said, ‘Nothing, I just helped him cry’ ”
(source unknown)
~
Children Love to Hear…
I Love You!
Great Work!
Thank you very much!
You’re such a great kid!
Keep up the good work!
I have such a fun time being with you !
How are you doing today?
I would love for you to help me with this.
I can tell you’ve been working really hard lately.
I’m proud to know that you are doing your best.
What do you think about…
Now I see your point.
Moms and Dads can make mistakes, too.
We have rules because we care about your safety.
What I love about you is…
You are an important part of my life.
Let’s spend some special time together.
I know I’ve been buy lately, but I’m never too busy for you.
You really outdid yourself.
Good for you!
You are doing a super job!
Your’re a good friend because you…
I’m glad you’re here.
