The Love Pinch
Displaying affection to your spouse while your children are watching is both appropriate and important. It teaches them what appropriate affection looks like and it shows your children a united front. If mom and dad are united then the family is secure and the kids can go about growing up without worry. However, some forms of affection are not appropriate to show to children. Some forms of affection can be scarring for a child when witnessed, even if it means mom and dad love each other. So how do you show your spouse love appropriately when you have an audience. Here are some simple suggestions you can incorporate into your daily life:
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Tip #1: Hold hands.
One of the best ways to show your affection to your spouse when others are watching is to hold hands. When you walk, when you drive, when you are watching a movie, or anywhere, holding your spouse's hand is an appropriate display of affection. Most kids worry about divorce. They have friends whose parents are divorced, maybe an aunt and uncle who are divorced, and they worry what will happen to them if mom and dad divorce. Give them a sense of security that it won't happen to them by holding your spouse's hand when you are in public and private. Holding hands shows your kids you are together and that you want to be together.
Tip #2: Hugs and kisses.
Deeper displays of affection than just holding hands can be appropriate in front of children. Let your spouse know you love them by hugging them, putting your arm around them, and kissing them. Don't give full body hugs or make-out in front of your children as it can be inappropriate and scarring for them (or for you if your little man gives you a kiss like your big man does). Hug and kiss like you would want your teenage-girl to hug and kiss her boyfriend in front of you, but give them out freely and frequently. A peck lip to lip here, a kiss on the cheek there, and an arm around each other before you go out the door can all give your kids a sense of the deep love and commitment you have for each other.
Tip #3: The bum pinch.
Another way to show love to your spouse that is of utmost importance is the bum pinch (or something like it). Why is this important you may wonder? If your love for your spouse is serious 100% of the time while you are in front of your children, they will grow up believing that romance isn't fun. Show your kids that the romance is alive without really showing them much romance. Flirt and pinch each other's bums when the situation calls for it and your children will be much happier and know their parents really love each other.
Tip #4: Compliments and verbal exchange.
Another way to show your spouse love while you have an audience is through compliments and verbal exchanges. Giving each other small compliments that are sincere shows your kids that your love is more than physical. Verbal exchanges like flirtation and laughing together help your kids understand that love is fun and exciting. Don't fight in front of your kids or say things about your spouse that put them in a bad light, especially when they are not there. Always show a united front by giving your spouse compliments and keeping anything negative to yourself whether your spouse is there or not.
