My son Troy’s love language is physical touch. When he was younger, he was the first one to run into my arms when I got home each night. Even now as a teenager, he loves when I give him a big bear hug.
My older son, Trent, is more introverted and cerebral. I’ve asked him if he’s okay with hugs, and he says yes, but sometimes he stands so rigid he’s like hugging a pole. I have to remind him to use his arms.
That distinction between my two boys seems slight on the face of things, but it can mean the difference between their feeling loved … or not. One size does not fit all.
Years ago, Dr. Gary Chapman envisioned the five love languages as God designed them:
- Affirmation
- Acts of service
- Quality time
- Receiving gifts
- Physical touch
We strengthen our relationship with our teenagers by expressing love to them in the specific ways they feel that love.
How do you know your teen’s love language? And how do you learn to speak it? Tune into the Focus on the Family Broadcast “Speaking Your Teen’s Love Language” and find out. (Listen to the program on your local radio station, online, on iTunes, via Podcast, or on our free phone app.)
Dr. Chapman is our guest. He’s most well-known for his landmark book, The Five Love Languages, which has been expanded into a series aimed at men, children, and singles.
His book The Five Love Languages of Teenagers is the resource you’ll hear about today. Dr. Chapman’s insight and advice will help every parent adapt as their children grow and become their own persons – often with very different ideas and attitudes than when they were children.
Right now, for a gift of any amount, we’ll send you a copy of Dr. Chapman’s book. (Check our website for details.)
We’ve also got a free parenting assessment for you at our website. It will quickly give you an overview of how your family is doing in several key areas and offer some suggestions on how you can improve the relationships in your home.
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