“the child… is born of love, and love is his natural origin.”
Maria Montessori
Gratitude coupled with love is the perfect recipe for emotional self-regulation! No matter the problem, combine one part gratitude with one part unconditional love and you’ll find yourself well on the road to equilibrium. This bond is the rock-solid foundation upon which an emotional framework is established.
I’ve Loved You Since Forever celebrates the extraordinary love shared by a parent and child. A “stardust” connection! While impossible to imagine how the universe conspired to bring you together, you are eternally grateful! Children never tire of opportunities to highlight this precious love connection. It is their “natural origin”… their HOME.
Here are a few more of my favorites on the topic of Unconditional LOVE:
1. Bang, Molly (2006). In My Heart, Little Brown and Company, New York, NY.
“When we’re apart I miss you. But then… I look inside my heart, see you there…”
A working mom recounts the many times-a-day she connects to her child, reminded of him by events of the day or imagining him enjoying his play. Regardless of circumstance or weather, they’re always together thanks to their lovely heart connection. Easily enjoyed by ages 4-7.
2. Braun, Sebastien (2004). I Love My Daddy, Boxer Books, Ltd. UK.
“My Daddy sits with me.”
In this beautifully illustrated board book, a bear cub recites all of the ways his Daddy connects to and lovingly cares for him. (Ages 2-5).
3. Braun, Sebastien (2004). I Love My Mommy, Boxer Books, Ltd. UK.
“My mommy stays by my side.”
In this beautifully illustrated board book, a variety of woodland animals recite all of the ways their mommies connect to and lovingly care for them. (Ages 2-5).
4. Clayton, Dallas (2013). An Awesome Book of Love, HarperCollins Publishers, New York, NY.
“I love you in so many ways, over thousands of years, over billions of days.”
This delightful book celebrates the infinite ways we can love and esteem someone very dear. (Ages 5-7)
5. Karst, Patrice (2000). The Invisible String, DeVorss & Company Publishers, Camarillo, CA.
“People who love each other are always connected by a very special String made of love.”
From the depths of the ocean to the top of the highest mountain, those with whom you share a loving bond are always connected by an invisible string of LOVE. Unbroken by anger or discord this string ultimately connects everyone in the world. (Ages 5-7)
6. McBratney, Sam (1994). Guess How Much I Love You, Candlewick Press, Cambridge, MA.
“I love you all the way up to your toes”
The love that unites Big Nutbrown Hare and Little Nutbrown Hare knows no bounds! This is a perfect segue to a discussion about the limitless love for those whom we hold most dear. (Ages 3-5)
7. Parr, Todd (2009). The I LOVE YOU Book, Little Brown and Company, New York, NY.
“I love you when you’re sick.
I love you when you feel better.”
Another wonderful Todd Parr book, where a parent/caregiver highlights the unconditional love they hold for their little ones “just the way (they) are.” (Ages 2-5)
8. Rusackas, Francesca (2003). I Love You All Day Long, HarperCollins, New York, NY.
“I love you when I’m with you and I love you when we’re apart.”
Anticipating a separation can be fraught with emotion. This book reassures the very young that no matter where they are or what they’re doing, they are surrounded by love. (Ages 3-5)
9. Tillman, Nancy (2013). I’d Know You Anywhere, MY LOVE, Feiwel and Friends, New York, NY.
“I know you by heart, so my heart never misses.”
Nancy Tillman is the most heart-centered children’s author I can think of! Virtually ALL of her books fall into this category. I love this one in particular as it plays to the child’s natural sense of imagination. The illustrations are nothing short of magical! (Ages 3-7)