As a parent, there’s no denying the overwhelming love you have for your baby. But have you ever wondered if your child loves you back? The good news is that even before your baby can utter those three big words, they are showing you their love in their own unique way. Understanding your child’s love language and developmental milestones can help you spot the signs that your baby trusts you and loves you. From gazing into your eyes to sharing your interests, here are seven heartwarming signs that your child loves you.
1. Signs your baby loves you
Your baby stares into your eyes
We’ve all been told that staring is rude, but when babies stare, it’s downright adorable. Newborns are naturally drawn to faces, and yours is their favorite. By two months, most babies have mastered the soulful gaze that is a hardwired survival instinct designed to attract love and attention from their caregiver. So when your baby locks eyes with you, it’s not just a cute moment, it’s also a sign that they love you.
Your baby recognizes your smell
Out of all the fragrant roses in the world, your baby would choose your sweaty, milk-stained T-shirt any day. A mother’s scent is comforting to babies and encourages socialization. To your newborn, nothing smells sweeter than you. So when your little one snuggles in close to you, it’s a clear sign of their love.
Your baby smiles at you
The first time your baby gives you a genuine smile is a moment that melts your heart. It’s their way of saying “I love you.” By around two months of age, most babies will smile back when you smile at them. And by four months, they’ll even smile to get your attention, which is incredibly endearing.
Your baby talks to you
Even your baby’s earliest coos are directed at you or another trusted caregiver. It’s their way of saying “love you too!” By four months, babies will start making sounds in response to your voice and may even turn their head to try to find you when you’re talking. This shows that they want to listen to everything you have to say – at least for now!
Your baby wants you around
As babies become more aware of the world around them, they start to recognize familiar faces. By six months, your baby will begin to identify the people they love, such as grandparents, siblings, and of course, parents. They’ll show a clear preference for these loved ones and may display caution around strangers. This is also when separation anxiety may start to kick in, which is a sign of their attachment to you.
Your baby shares your interests
Have you ever noticed that your baby seems to be fascinated by whatever catches your attention? Whether it’s holiday lights or the dirty laundry, if you’re interested in it, your baby will be too. This behavior, known as joint attention, can start as early as a few months old but becomes more pronounced at around 9 to 12 months. It’s a way for your baby to connect with you and share in your experiences.
Your baby uses you as a shield
When someone new appears on the scene, don’t be surprised if your baby buries their head in your chest. This is known as “stranger anxiety,” and it’s a normal phase of development. Your baby is turning to you for protection, which is a clear indication that they love you and trust you to keep them safe.
2. Signs your toddler loves you
Toddlers may not always have the words to express their feelings, but their actions speak volumes. One of the most heartwarming signs that your toddler loves you is when they give you cuddles and kisses unprompted. By around 15 months, your toddler may surprise you with hugs, cuddles, and sloppy kisses, showing their affection for you.
Your toddler also takes their cues from you. They look to you to make sense of the world around them. Whether it’s reacting to an elephant frying an egg in the kitchen or seeking reassurance in new situations, your toddler trusts your opinion and seeks comfort in your presence. This social-emotional reciprocity is a sign of their attachment to you.
Imitation is another way toddlers show their love for you. They copy your behavior, from trying to open the door with your keys to “fixing” their hair in the mirror like you. It’s their way of expressing admiration and flattery, as they look up to you as their role model.
Furthermore, your toddler wants to engage with you. They want to answer your questions, show you what they’re doing, and share their ideas with you in their own way. This back-and-forth interaction is a sign of their attachment to you and their confidence in your relationship.
In unfamiliar environments, your toddler may use you as their home base. They may alternate between exploring and coming back to snuggle in your lap, glancing back at you for reassurance. This shows their trust and attachment to you as their safe haven.
Your toddler also turns to you for rescue. When faced with a potentially scary situation, like a big dog running towards them at the park, they raise their arms for you to pick them up and hold them close. This natural instinct to seek comfort and protection from you is a sweet sign of their love and trust.
Lastly, your toddler seeks comfort from you. Whether it’s holding out their hand for a kiss on a boo-boo or crying for a cuddle after a fall, they know they can count on you to provide comfort. This shows their reliance on you and their trust in your ability to make them feel better.
3. Signs Your Preschooler Loves You
They brag about you. As parents, we brag about our kids all the time (at least to sympathetic grandparents and our partners). Our kids brag too, but it’s not always about themselves. Your preschooler may proudly announce to their friends, “My mom is the best cook ever!” or “My dad can fix anything!” This is a clear sign that they love and admire you, and they want others to know how special you are to them.
They include you in their play. Your big kid may invite you to be part of their imaginative play or ask you to play a board game with them. This shows that they enjoy spending time with you and value your participation in their activities. It’s a beautiful way for them to express their love and connection with you.
They confide in you. As your child grows older, they may start to share their thoughts, dreams, and concerns with you. They trust you to listen without judgment and offer them guidance and support. Being their confidante is a clear indication that they love and trust you deeply.
They show empathy towards you. Your big kid may comfort you when you’re sad or upset, offer you a hug when you’re feeling down, or lend a helping hand when you’re overwhelmed. This display of empathy shows that they care about your feelings and well-being, and it’s a powerful sign of their love and affection for you.
They express gratitude. Your child may say “thank you” or express appreciation for the things you do for them. It could be as simple as thanking you for making their favorite meal or acknowledging your efforts in helping them with their homework. Expressing gratitude is a way for them to recognize and value the love and care you provide them with.
They respect your boundaries. As your child grows older, they start to understand the concept of boundaries and may respect your need for personal space or privacy. They may knock on your bedroom door before entering or ask for permission before borrowing your things. Respecting your boundaries is a sign of their love and consideration for your needs.
They apologize and make amends. Your big kid may sometimes make mistakes or hurt your feelings, but what matters is how they handle it. If they genuinely apologize and take responsibility for their actions, and make efforts to make amends, it’s a sign that they love and value their relationship with you.
They seek your opinion and advice. Your child may come to you for guidance, advice, or opinions on various matters, from school projects to friendships to personal dilemmas. This shows that they trust and value your input, and it’s a clear sign of their love and respect for you as their parent.
They prioritize spending time with you. Despite their busy schedule with school, friends, and activities, your big kid may still make time to spend with you. Whether it’s watching a movie together, going for a walk, or just sitting down for a chat, their willingness to prioritize spending time with you shows that they love and enjoy your company.
In conclusion, as your child grows from a toddler to a preschooler and eventually a big kid, their expressions of love may evolve, but they remain just as meaningful. From cuddles and kisses to imitating your behavior, seeking comfort, making verbal declarations of love, including you in their play, and showing empathy and respect, these signs indicate that your child loves and values their relationship with you deeply. As a parent, it’s essential to cherish and nurture these expressions of love, and continue to foster a loving and supportive relationship with your child as they grow and develop. Remember that every child is unique and may express their love in different ways, so pay attention to their individual cues and keep building that special bond of love and affection with your child.
