"I Love You" Translated (for Children)

I have been thinking lately, the phrase "I love you" is rarely a simple statement. The three little words are loaded with the context of the moment. I find that with my children, I often say "I love you" instead of other things that would take much longer to say, or that they wouldn't understand yet. It is true that in kissing them in bed at night it can be a simple statement of our connection before they close their little fall asleep, but I have noticed that I mean so much more than when I just say "I love you" to my children.

Instead of giving a lecture over consistently bad behavior at the end of a long and frustrating day, all I can do is hug him and tell him "I love you." What I really mean is "Please don't continue in this path. I know that soon I won't be able to influence your decisions and I want you to be able to make good choices."

When I hold their little hands while walking, "I love you" is an acknowledgment that I know that this moment will not last forever. That they are going to grow up far too fast and I want to hold onto their innocent years. "I love you" is a plea to stay small a while longer.

It can also mean that I see potential in you that you don't see. I know you can do things that you think you can't and I will be here to support you whether you fail or triumph. "I love you" means I will not walk away from you and that I will always see your potential and what you are capable of even when you don't believe me.

I am so frustrated with you right now, but I shouldn't give voice to my frustrations, so I will just remind you that I love you and give you a hug and leave it at that. Besides, I am pretty sure you are just as frustrated with me as I am with you.

You are so sweet! Don't grow up!!! Seriously, I forbid it!!

I am sorry you had a bad day and I am glad you are home. I am frustrated that I cannot protect you from all the bad in the world. I so want to fight all your dragons for you, but I must let you venture out and fight some of your own. I will try to make home a safe haven and give you a loving place to come home.

I am ecstatic that you had a wonderful day and you are happy and I am celebrating that with you! I love when your little face is all aglow with happiness and excitement.

I am sorry I am so hard on you. I have to remember that you are just learning the rules of the world. I recognize that sometimes expect too much from you and I am trying to be a better mother.

I love how you sing and dance up and down the hallway. It makes my days brighter to hear you in your little world. It makes me feel better about the big world.

"I love you" can mean that I am sorry we were so at odds today, but we are going to keep trying and I am not going to give up on you ever. Please don't give up on me.

I have no clue what I am doing, but I can't admit that to you right now. I often wonder why God trusted me with some of his precious children, but I am trying my best. Bear with me.

You are my most precious possessions. I would do anything for you.

"I love you."