FIRST WORD
Love Languages
PJ Feinstein
Editor pfeinstein@midatlanticmedia.com
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info@washingtonFAMILY.com Even if you haven’t read the bestselling book, you’re
probably familiar with the gist of “The 5 Love
Languages.” According to author Gary Chapman,
there are five distinct ways that each of us prefers to
give and receive love: words of affirmation, acts of
service, gifts, quality time and physical touch. The
key to building stronger relationships, whether with
a spouse, a child or a friend, is to speak the other
person’s love language.

My first grader, for example, craves physical
touch. He can’t get enough hugs and kisses, loves to
snuggle on the couch and is constantly climbing into
my lap. My fourth grader, on the other hand, asks
for hugs but really lights up when I can focus my
attention on him. He feels loved when we have one-
on-one time to take a walk, do a crossword puzzle or
play a game together.

Keeping in mind that all children (and adults, for
that matter) respond to different kinds of affection,
we’re sharing 24 creative ways to show them that
you care. These ideas are perfect for Valentine’s Day
or any day of the year. And to make February 14 even
more special, we have a heart-shaped cookie recipe
and a list of books about love and the other sweet
parts of life.

Of course, February is also Black History Month,
and there are so many important stories to share
about the contributions of Black men, women and
children to American history. We explore one of
them in our interview with Louisa Jagger, author of
a new children’s picture book about James Herman
Banning, the first Black man to fly a plane across
the U.S.

Last year we were lucky to have Silver Spring
mom Lindsay Ponta contribute crafty DIY projects
for parents and kids. Get to know her better in this
month’s Parent You Should Know column.

I hope your February is filled with love and joy.

Happy reading!
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