Say “I Love you” in your native language.

We know you love them, but how do you say it?

In case you are wondering, I am not about to reedit “The Five Languages of Love”, though it is a really good book. I literally mean “how” in what “spoken” language do you say? Talking to children about love is an essential part of their emotional development. It helps them learn how to express their feelings, develop healthy relationships, and build a strong sense of self-worth. However, experts recommend that parents talk to their children about love in their native language to promote better communication, cultural identity, and emotional connections.

Does it matter?

Well, kind of. Children learn best when they can fully understand the language being used, and using their native language to discuss love helps them comprehend complex emotions more effectively. Children can express themselves better when they have a full grasp of the words they are using, making it easier for them to convey their thoughts and feelings. No matter how early you send your children to day care, the language you choose to talk to them, will be the language they hear first. I would rather speak a language I fully master, than a language I am learning or a language where I don’t get the nuances. You can still speak that (second or third) language with them or in front of them, but I believe that the main channel of communication should be the one you both fully grasp. In addition, to all the benefits for a child’s cognitive development, bilingualism in the context of heritage language is also beneficial for intergenerational communication and strong family ties.

Language is a culture’s best friend

We talked about the connection between to two here. When parents use their native language to talk about love, they are more likely to convey cultural values and beliefs that are specific to their culture. Love is very cultural and the way we express our love is not as universal as pop culture wants us to believe.Understanding this, helps children connect more with their heritage and understand the unique ways that love is expressed in their culture. Understanding and respecting these cultural differences can help children develop better communication skills and stronger relationships with their family and peers.

Deeper connection with the first source of love

One of the challenges of using a non-native language to talk about love is the limited vocabulary available to express complex emotions. A parent may struggle to convey certain emotions in a non-native language, which could limit the depth of the conversation. By using their native language, parents have access to a broader range of words and expressions, which allows them to communicate more effectively and accurately.

When talking to children about love, it is important to use age-appropriate language and concepts. Younger children may not understand complex emotional concepts, so it is important to keep the conversation simple and straightforward. However, as children grow older, parents can introduce more complex concepts, such as the different types of love, boundaries, and consent.

Emotional stability

Using the native language to talk about love also has emotional benefits for children. It can help them feel more secure and valued because they know that their cultural background is respected and valued. It also strengthens the emotional connection between parent and child, which can help build self-confidence, emotional resilience, and positive self-image.

In conclusion, experts recommend that parents use their native language when talking to their children about love or when they express their love. It promotes better communication, cultural identity, and emotional connections. It allows children to understand and express their feelings more effectively, and it promotes a deeper connection between parent and child.