In a nutshell: I need to hear that you love me and are proud of me through your words. 

Do: Regularly acknowledge and vocalize the things you appreciate about your spouse. Repeatedly remind them how much you love them. 

Don’t: Avoid criticism and contempt statements. These will seriously affect them. Be quick to apologize if these occur. 

If your partner’s love language is Words of Affirmation:
Hide little affirmation or love notes around the house. 
Send a mid-day text of appreciation. 
Highlight something good they did to others. 

If your child’s love language is Words of Affirmation:
Place their projects in a prominent place in your house.
Hide an affirmative note in their lunch box or notebook.
Use a High and Low exercise to highlight something you are proud of them for. 

In a nutshell: I need you to show me love through your actions. 

Do: Go out of your way, when not asked, to help make their life easier.  

Don’t: Forget about regular chores or not follow through when you have offered help.

If your partner’s love language is Acts of Service:
Complete a task that your spouse normally does without asking.
Bring a meal to them at work.
Ask, “How can I help?" 

If your child’s love language is Acts of Service:
Help them clean their room.
Participate in their school or extra-curricular activities.
Help them with their homework. 

In a nutshell: I greatly appreciate the thought you put into the things you gift me no matter how big or small. 

Do: Find random times throughout the year to surprise them with gifts. The more thought put into the gift the better. 

Don’t: Be generic or thoughtless in your gift giving. 

If your partner’s love language is Receiving Gifts:
Send them a surprise gift randomly throughout the year with a little note of appreciation. 
Send flowers or food to them at work. 
Get creative and gift a playlist of meaningful songs, scrapbook, or video collage. 

If your child’s love language is Receiving Gifts:
Surprise them with a toy or activity that they have been talking about.
Write them a little note of affirmation. 
Allow them to pick something special when out at the store.

In a nutshell: I just want to spend time with you and want your full attention.

Do: Schedule some one-on-one time where you can talk about your day. Take time to have a high and low conversation. 

Don’t: Be on your phone.  

If your partner’s love language is Quality Time:
Weekly date night with a High and Low Conversation.
Turn your phones off for the day.
Schedule an activity or event to do with each other. 

If your child’s love language is Quality Time:
Cook a meal with them.
Play their favorite sport or video game with them. 
Set up a day trip with them.

In a nutshell: I need to physically feel your affection through a hug, kiss, hand on my shoulder, love tap, etc.  

Do: Provide some type of physical contact before they leave and when they come back. Provide subtle contact randomly throughout the day. 

Don’t: Go too long without showing some type of physical affection. Think all I want is sex.  

If your partner’s love language is Physical Touch:
Asking for a kiss or hug before they leave or when they come home.
Cuddle up and watch a show or movie. 
Hold hands when out running errands.

If your child’s love language is Physical Touch:
Randomly pat them on the back and affirm something that they did. 
Give a hug before they leave for school.
Participate in a sport or hands-on activity with them.