55 Ways To Show Young People That You Love Them

A random collection – many from ‘Your first two years in Youth Ministry’ by Doug Fields. Have fun with them!

1. Notice them
2. Smile a lot
3. Learn their names
4. Seek them out
5. Remember their birthdays
6. Ask them about themselves
7. Look in their eyes when you talk to them
8. Listen to them
9. Play games with them
10. Laugh with them
11. Be nice
12. Reassure them that their feelings are okay
13. Set boundaries to keep them safe
14. Be honest
15. Be yourself
16. Listen to their stories
17. Notice when they are acting differently
18. Present options when they seek your advice
19. Suggest better options when they act up
20. Share their excitement
21. Notice them when they’re absent
22. Give them space when they need it
23. Contribute to their collections
24. Laugh at their (appropriate) jokes
25. Be relaxed
26. Kneel, squat, or sit so you are at their eye-level
27. Answer their questions
28. Tell them how fab they are
29. Learn what they have to teach
30. Make yourself available
31. Find a common interest
32. Apologise when you’ve done something wrong
33. Listen to their fav music with them
34. Thank them
35. Give them compliments
36. Acknowledge their efforts
37. Meet their parents
38. Be excited when you see them
39. Let them act their age
40. Be consistent
41. Marvel at what they can do
42. Ask them to help you
43. Applaud their successes
44. Pray with them
45. Be flexible
46. Delight in their uniqueness
47. Let them make mistakes
48. Give them immediate feedback
49. Include them in conversations
50. Respect them
51. Be silly together
52. Trust them
53. Encourage them to help others
54. Believe what they say
55. Involve them in decisions