February is not just for lovers! During the entire month, we can celebrate love as the glue that binds a family together, not only between parent and child but between siblings too. Parents can pick a time (or several times) , to create and express loving thoughts and actions between family members.

Parents can make this an annual family tradition with a few simple ideas that show how special “family love” can be!

The best gifts given between family members can be as simple as a handmade card or cutout heart with a simple message of appreciation. You can spend a special few minutes helping your children cut out hearts and writing a simple message of appreciation to all the others in the family. The message can also include a simple gift of service like doing a sibling’s chore for a day. Or, craft a simple handmade gift. The message can also recognize a particular strength or positive attribute.

At the special time or times you’ve selected, you could make arrangements to get up a little earlier, have some simple heart shaped breakfast treats and let each family deliver their gifts to each family member.  Take the time to read and thank each other. Parents can model the giving and validation process as a couple and support children in giving and accepting compliments.  Schedule this at a time that’s convenient for everyone in the family so there are no distractions.  As with any behavior, the more it is practiced,   the easier it comes as a positive behavior that can be considered a virtue of generosity and positive regard for others.

So, take the month of February and build “Family Love” to strengthen the bonds of expressive caring and mutual validation!