This Valentine's Day, promise to show your child you love them every day. Read on for three promises that children want parents, guardians, caregivers, and teachers to make to show them love. We hope these promises inspire you to be intentional with your child and enjoy the many free and easily accessible resources and activities available to you and your child in Worcester and its surrounding communities.
1. Connect with Me
I love it when you make time for me! From enjoying breakfast together in the morning to reading a bedtime story to me at night, these moments mean everything to me.
The simple things you do with me show me just how much you care. Be present when we're together — that's your enduring gift to me!
When we're focused on what we're doing, it helps me focus, too. It's like "magic" time that seems to slow down. So let's turn off the TV, put down the cell phone, and enjoy an amazing time together.
2. Play with Me
I love play time! Playing outside is one of my favorite things to do with you. If we're at Elm Park or another park or playground, we're able to run, walk, jump, dance, and be silly outdoors. We can even play catch or frisbee and enjoy many outdoor games and activities.
Of course, play time doesn't always have to be at a park or playground. I love it when we cook or clean together. Going to the grocery store or visiting a museum with you is always fun since we get to see and explore stuff together. Play with me just about anywhere, and we'll have a fun time.
Don't forget about reading with me, either. I love it when you introduce me to new books. Reading together helps me become a better reader. When you bring me to story time at the Worcester Public Library, you're giving me another opportunity to play, learn, and grow, all in one place.
When we play, let's talk, too. I love hearing what you have to say and learning from you. And I love it when you listen to me, hear about my thoughts, opinions, and feelings, and answer my many questions.
3. Get in the Game
I love having you in my life! It's a busy time for you and I. It's comforting to know that you're there for me, even when you're not right there next to me.
I need you to be my voice when it matters. Adults don’t always think about little kids when they make decisions.
Engage in our community, look out for me and my best interests, and help our community make good decisions for children. Please stay informed about the issues that affect me and the policies that benefit me. You can help me and my friends by leveling the playfield so that all children have a chance to succeed.
It's also great when you come with me to school and doctor's appointments, ask questions, and find out what you can do to help me. You're deeply involved in my life. What you're doing right now will shape my life in the months and years to come. Since you're putting in the time and effort now, I'm hopeful and optimistic about what the future holds for me.
Remember, I don't need grand gestures from you. The time we spend together is priceless. Playing games, reading, and doing other things together creates positive experiences that'll stay with me. I just need you to be you. Be the person I know you are and know you can be, and I'll be the beneficiary of everything you do for me.
It's Easy to Show Your Love to Your Child
These tips can help you keep your promises to show your love to your child:
Connect with Me
- Enjoy one-on-one time with your child.
- Listen to and empathize with your child.
- Ask your child open-ended questions and give them plenty of time to respond.
Play with Me
- Spend time outdoors with your child at Elm Park or one of the many other Worcester parks.
- Participate in a Worcester Family Partnership playgroup, Worcester Public Library events, and other free local activities and events with your child.
- Play games, complete arts and crafts projects, and engage in other playtime activities with your child.
Get in the Game
- Bring your child to their primary care physician at least once a year for a check-up and any time you have concerns or questions about their health and well-being.
- Talk to teachers and staff at your child's school or preschool or childcare program to track their progress and uncover new ways to support their growth and development.
- Engage with local representatives about the early education and care topics that are important to you and your child and stay up to date about them.
Edward Street wants to help parents, guardians, caregivers, and teachers connect and play with children and remain actively involved in their lives.
Read our blog and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn to learn more about our early childhood programs and initiatives that benefit children and the parents, guardians, caregivers, and teachers who care for and support them.