The Essentials of a Healthy Home

Rev. Tommy Nelson, a former athlete, recounts the time he attended a church that had a special member in its congregation:

One church I used to go to years ago had a little blue-eyed grandma with white curly hair. Her name was Lucille, but we all called her Granny. This woman had a gift of life: She could hug you, love you, look in your eyes and say, “I love you,” like no one else.

At the time I was going to this church, a number of big greasy football players like myself were attending. All of us defensive ends, quarterbacks, tackles and centers would go over to this little lady’s house and she would make pork chops, cucumber salad and sweetened ice tea for us.

I remember on Sundays seeing her surrounded by athletes and bikers at church –– and they would have their arms around Granny. They flocked to her because she loved them.

In the same way these grown men looked forward to Granny’s hugs, your children long to have your arms around them. And this need does not diminish when they enter the adolescent years. Teenagers need affection from both parents just like they did when they were toddlers.

Let your 15-year-old sit in your lap if she wants to. Wrestle your 17-year-old to the ground if he challenges you to. Your children will never outgrow bear hugs and butterfly kisses.

— Traci Pedone

Discover little ways you can show your child affection.

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On This Topic

• Introduction • The Vitamin of Peace • Keeping the Peace • The Vitamin of Time • Quality Time Vs. Quantity Time • The Vitamin of Truth • Tell Me a Story • The Vitamin of Example • Living the Example • The Vitamin of Affirmation • Simple Ways to Affirm • Building Self-Esteem • The Vitamin of Faith • Winning Through Faith • Say Your Prayers • The Vitamin of Affection • The Vitamin of Discipline