How to Say I LOVE YOU to Kids

Last Sunday was another fun Sunday. I served in our 9am service and then attended the 11am service. It wasn't until after church that a stranger in the row behind me asked, "Do you want that sticker off your back?" Seems some child had put a sticker on my back with a smiley face that had been there all morning! (At least it didn't say 'Kick Me') Earlier that morning, I was handed a note by a little girl in the middle of worship time. I looked at it, and it appeared to be blank. I asked what it was, and she answered, "It's written in invisible ink!" Once I got a decoder pen with black light, I could see the words, "Karl, you're weird." Which I think in kid-language means, "I like you!" As I was reflecting on these funny events it occurred to me -- we often tell kids "I love you," but in a kids world, love is communicated a lot differently. It is done through silly notes, stickers, and friendly jokes that say, "I like you."

So yes, tell kids you love them, but show them in ways they can understand. Anytime you pull out a pocket magic trick, a yo-yo, show them how to make an awesome paper airplane, or do other fun silly things with them, that is how they know you love them. You aren't one of those adults just giving instructions, corrections and teaching -- you become one of them.

Have you stuck a sticker on a kid lately? Or written a note with invisible ink? What will you do next Sunday to show the kids you love them?