How to Use I Love You Rituals in the Kitchen

I Love You Rituals are the essential connection tools every adult should tuck away in his or her parenting toolbelt. Connection is the glue that binds us together and helps us endure life’s twists, turns, disappointments and hardships. A strong sense of connection also increases children’s cooperation and attention spans while decreasing power struggles and attention-seeking behaviors.

I Love You Rituals are activities Dr. Becky Bailey designed specifically to increase connection between adults and children, and between children themselves. Many I Love You Rituals are based on nursery rhymes rephrased with positive messaging, and each ritual includes eye contact, touch, presence and a playful situation.

Shubert’s mom, Sara, learned about I Love You Rituals at a Parent Night with a Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor. When she got home, Sara posted “Connection is the prerequisite for cooperation” on her inspiration board and committed to do a minimum of one I Love You Ritual with each child, every day. Now the whole family is on board, requesting these fun activities from each other regularly!

Plus, Sara soon observed that when her children were lashing out, pausing to provide more connection time throughout the day was more effective in curbing negative behaviors than additional punishments or restrictions. The I Love You Rituals book provides more than 70 activities, and the Bug Family created dozens of their own rituals, too. The more rituals they enjoy together, the more connection and cooperation they experience!