What I learned about love from you.

In celebrating the deep love we have for children at AllerMates this week, we asked our community on Facebook to tell us about their relationship with their kids, and I learned so many wonderful things about the love within their families.

One thing I’ve always known, but you reaffirmed all week, is that our children are not defined by their ailments. When I asked you to tell me one thing you love most about your child, you didn’t talk about their allergy, asthma or other health concern. Instead, you told me about her sense of humor, his smile, her kindness, his love for books, her spunk and sarcasm, his obsession with animals, her confidence, his dance moves and so many other magnificent qualities and interests.

We should always make sure that our kids know how amazing we think they are, so that when their peanut allergy or their diabetes becomes the topic of conversation among their friends, they have the confidence to talk about it or to stand up for themselves should they ever have to.

As parents, we know that they have it in them to navigate the choppy waters of whatever ails them. We know this because our children have taught us so many important lessons. They’ve taught us to be more patient, to love unconditionally, to listen, to have fun and not take things so seriously, to trust ourselves and to appreciate all of the little things in life.

Hold on tight to these lessons. Let’s reinforce them as our children grow older and face the curveballs that life is going to undoubtedly throw. We owe that to them for all the love they’ve brought us and in all the various and cute ways they show it. : )

You demonstrated to me this week just how exceptional your children are, and you reminded me just how special YOU are. Thanks for all you do. Happy Valentine’s Day!

xo – Iris