"I Love You" Rituals

Back when I was taking undergrad classes at KSU, I took a class called, "Parent-Child Relationships."  It was awesome.  One thing I took from that class and integrated into my own life was a section called, "I Love You" rituals.  It was developed by Becky A. Bailey, Ph.D. and can be found at her website, www.beckybailey.com.

Here are 3 of the rituals I received from class and have used on my own children.  They love the interaction and I love the new rhymes.

A Wonderful Woman Who Lived in a Shoe
 A wonderful woman lived in a shoe.
She had so many children, she knew exactly what to do!
She held them, she rocked the, and tucked them in bed.
"I love you. I love you," is what she said!


Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
Twinkle, twinkle, little star!
What a wonderful child you are!
With bright eyes and nice round cheeks,
Talented person from head to feet.
Twinkle, Twinkle, little star,
What a wonderful child you are!


This last one has some instruction.  Holding your child's hand, say the rhyme while you touch and massage the designated finger and make the appropriate noises.  At the last line, give your child a kiss and tuck him/her into bed!

This Little Finger Goes Night-Night
This little finger on the end, goes cluck, cluck like a baby hen.
The next little finger on the hand goes (make noise) like a big brass band!
This tall finger goes tick tock, just like mommy's alarm clock!
This little finger points to you and says, "I love you, yes I do."
The last little thumb goes night-night.
And says, "Kiss me so I will sleep tight!"