There Are Many Ways to Say “I Love You”
It’s time to celebrate love! In one episode of “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” the Neighborhood celebrates the wedding of Baker Aker and Dr. Anna. As Daniel Tiger practices his role as ring bearer, he learns that there are many ways to say “I love you” — in both big and small ways. Baker Aker puts purple flowers on the wedding cake because they are Dr. Anna’s favorite color. The neighbors decorate custom cookies as part of a Neighborhood tradition. And Mom Tiger makes flower necklaces for Daniel and his friends to wear.
Like the neighbors in “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” you can show children you love them in many ways! When parents and caregivers remind children that they’re loved, they show children how to care for their friends and neighbors. Finding small moments throughout the day to do something together is one way to say, “I love you.”
Here are six grr-ific ways to say “ugga mugga,” inspired by “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.”
1. Bake and cook together. The Tiger family and their neighbors decorate cookies for each other on special occasions. Bring this tradition to your family by baking Mozie-mazing Cookies or Mom Tiger’s Banana Bread. Or try something savory by making a batch of Grandpere’s Veggie Soup. Enjoy the delicious treats together or share with a neighbor. (Check in with family, friends, and neighbors to see if they have any food allergies or restrictions.)
2. Dance together. The neighbors have fun dancing at Dr. Anna and Baker Aker’s wedding. Practice the steps of a traditional dance of your family’s culture or make up a silly dance together. At your next family celebration, showcase the dance you’ve practiced or created.
3. Share a story. Spending time together sharing a story is a perfect way to say, “I love you.” You can do so by sharing a family memory on the way to school, telling a story during mealtime, or reading a favorite picture book. And remember, you can read together at any time throughout the day and in any language.
4. Make a memory book. Mom Tiger and Daniel look at a wedding album together. Create a scrapbook to capture your family’s favorite memories! You can use a poster board or cereal box cardboard for the cover. Then, insert blank pages with tape, glue, or ribbon. Have fun adding printed photos or drawings of special moments with short captions. Keep the memory book on a nearby shelf or consider giving it to a friend or neighbor to say, “We love you.”
5. Make music together or perform a song. Writing lyrics, drumming a beat, or singing a tune can show someone you care. Have fun performing the song in person, or send a recording. You can also add music to your day as a gentle reminder of daily tasks or to help children manage their feelings. For example, you might use a familiar “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” strategy song, like The Bedtime Song, as a loving way to end the day.
6. Take a walk for time to talk. Taking the time to listen and be with each other is another way to say, “I love you.” As Dad Tiger and Daniel remind one another, “It doesn’t matter what we do, I just like to be with you.”
What are other ways your family says, “I love you?” Ask your child to think about other ways to show someone they care. Encourage them to share their emotions often through words and actions.
If you’re interested in more grr-ific family activities, give thanks with a gratitude jar and the make matching “Thinking of You” bracelets!
Author: 
Through imagination, creativity and music, Daniel Tiger and his friends learn key social skills necessary for school and for life.