It is mothers day here next sunday and while it is officially "my" day it has got me thinking about being a mum and fostermum, in the past. For a child to know they are loved takes 3 things - to hear they are loved, to see they are loved and to feel they are loved. Quite basic and obvious I hear you say well not always the case lol I remember experiencing the second two from my father and none from my mother so for my kids it is wayyyyyyyyyy different lol. My kids here it when ever I have the urge to say it and sometimes i just tell them when they least expect it lol they can see in my facial expression I mean it too so they aren't hollow words I also call them love and dear etc which is ok even with my 15 yearold son as long as i throw in the odd "mate" They see it in the things I do with them - I don't buy them what ever they want or let them do what ever they want but instead I share time with each doing something with them alone - Daniel his basketball and mikayla her poser They know it because they know no matter what they have done wrong or how bad things are for them that I am there for them and will help them through in anyway possible My kids will never have to work for weeks to build up their courage to say "I love you" to a parent in a nursing home in the depths of dementia. And with any luck neither will their kids have you hugged your kids today? keep smiling Chris :o) Psssssssst Mr TP - rock a bye your bear ;o) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiggles