Last week we touched on quality time as a Love Language and how knowing that about your child can help on those moments of anxiety. Today we are going to talk about Gifts – how to recognize it and how to use it to manage anxious moments.
A child with gifts as their Love Language (Gary Chapman) will light up when presented with a gift or a surprise. It doesn’t matter if it’s a favourite chocolate bar or a book of special coupons designed specifically for them. Receiving gifts means something extra special to these children and they will cherish whatever they receive.
Unlike the previous Love Languages, a child that has anxious tendencies will not look for or expect more gifts but they can be reassured when they receive them. Presenting a certificate for being kind, or helpful or understanding along with a small treat or even nothing at all will go a long way to make a child with gifts as their love language feel loved.
When you know your child is getting anxious feelings this could be the time to surprise them with little surprises each day that add up to something – maybe they complete a puzzle or a riddle. Using small gifts to connect with them during highly anxious times won’t eliminate the anxious feelings altogether, but will provide a distraction, a redirection and something else to focus on that brings them joy.