A few weeks ago, my three-year-old son Zechariah did the sweetest thing for me: he said “I love you” without any prompting.

I was working on something in my bedroom and Zechariah came bouncing into the room. He walked up to me and said, “Hi, Mommy.”

“Hey, Zechariah!” I exclaimed happy to see him.

He then gave me a hug and said, “I love you.” Then he looked at me and smiled.

I was really surprised, but I also felt very happy. This was something new. He had never done that before.

You know, when your kids are little, they learn to say “I love you” by you saying it to them. This time, though, it was much different because Zechariah was telling me he loved me all on his own. It was a very special moment.

I wish I had a recording of when he said “I love you” to me, but it’s okay. I will forever cherish it in my heart.

My sweet little Zechariah

I looked back at my son and gave him a big smile. “Aww! I love you, too, Zechariah!”

He giggled and hugged me again and said, “I love you!”

And ever since that moment, Zechariah has been saying “I love you” at random moments.

Zechariah also likes to say, “Give me a hug.” While hugging he’ll then exclaim, “I love you!” It’s so sweet!

I used to wonder if when my kids said “I love you” in response to my saying it to them did they really understand what the expression meant.

Sometimes I thought maybe they just learned it’s something you say after someone says it to you first.

After having five children, I can tell you kids really do know what the expression means. I’m sure at first when they hear you say it they learn it’s a loving phrase to say.

But over time and through observation, our children learn “I love you” is an expression to say when you feel love for someone.

Travis carrying Zechariah (age 14 months) on his shoulders.

In our family, we say “I love you” to each other every single day. Even my teens say “I love you”, though usually, it’s before they leave the house to go somewhere. 😉

It makes me happy to know Zechariah now understands love is a happy feeling you feel for someone. That tells me Travis and I are saying “I love you” to the children very often and they are learning the importance of love.

Being a mother is a beautiful gift and a joyous journey. It has forever changed my life in so many wonderful ways.

Yet, the truth is, I’m not perfect and sometimes I feel a little overwhelmed with parenting.

But it’s those special moments– like Zechariah randomly coming up to me and saying “I love you, Mommy”– that lets me know I’m doing something right after all.

I am surrounded by a great amount of love with my five children, and every moment, from the joyous ones to the stressful ones, is truly worth it all.


Do you remember the first time your child said I love you to you?

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    Written by

    Jennifer Hamra

    Freelance creative Jennifer Hamra created her blog Good Life Detroit in 2015 after relocating from Tennessee to Southeast Michigan.

    Inspired by her love for personal blogging and photography, Jennifer likes to share her favorite Detroit things, from cool places to visit (the hidden gems are her favorite!) to the amazing people she has connected with over the years.

    When she's not busy juggling family life and her creative projects, you can find her at an art gallery, community event, farmers market, or spending quiet time at home with a good book and cup of tea.

    Jennifer lives in the metro Detroit area with her husband Travis and their six children.

    Connect with Jennifer on social media @goodlifedetroit on all social media platforms or via email at [email protected].