Warm words all day
1–2 yearsFamily ConnectionNo materials needed
Throughout daily activities, verbally express your love and appreciation. Tell your child you love them, you enjoy being with them, and you are glad they are yours. Use warm, affectionate terms. Pair these words with smiles, gentle touches, and eye contact. Make verbal affection a natural part of your daily interactions.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
Throughout daily activities, verbally express your love and appreciation. Tell your child you love them, you enjoy being with them, and you are glad they are yours. Use warm, affectionate terms. Pair these words with smiles, gentle touches, and eye contact. Make verbal affection a natural part of your daily interactions.
Why It Works
Verbal expressions of warmth and love combined with nonverbal affection create a rich emotional environment that supports development across domains. Parental empathy and warm communication contribute to children's socioemotional functioning through multiple pathways (Hu, Y., et al., 2021). Consistent verbal affection helps even young toddlers begin to internalize their worth and lovability, building self-esteem and secure attachment.
Tips for Parents
Say I love you multiple times throughout the day, not just at bedtime.
Comment on specific things you appreciate about your child.
Use a warm, genuine tone so your child feels the emotion behind the words.
Materials Needed
None
Learning Methods
Language-Rich EnvironmentImitation and Modeling
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