L.O.V.E Acronym

While most think of Valentine’s Day as a celebration of romantic love, it is also important to celebrate the love of parent/child. One of the best ways parents can express their love to their child is through communication. While it sounds simple, communication is often met with short answers and head nods. Sometimes, it’s just normal teen behavior, but oftentimes, teens don’t feel as if they are truly being heard.

We read in 1 Corinthians 13:1 that love is patient and kind. With that, it is important that parents be patient with their children and communicate in such a way that will foster not only responses but also true discussion.

Dr. Jessica Peck, clinical nursing professor, pediatric nurse practitioner, radio talk show host, and mom of four teenagers, has a great way to develop such communication, and it is by using the acronym L.O.V.E.

L. O. V. E.

~ Listen with your face

~ Open-ended questions

~ Validate - “I can see you are/feel…”

~ Explore next steps together; ask if they want help with solutions.

A great resource to go in tandem is Peck’s book, “Behind Closed Doors: A Guide To Help Parents and Teens Navigate Through Life’s Toughest Issues,” whereby she guides parents in working through the challenging times and finding hope and freedom in honest faith in Christ conversations. For more information about Peck, visit her Dr. Nurse Mama website at: www.drnursemama.com/resources.

If you need further assistance in communicating with your teen, contact HeartLife at 901.756.5788 to schedule an appointment.

Happy Valentine’s Day!