QUESTION: What does love mean to 4- to 8-year-olds?

ANSWER: Love seems to mean some very special things to kids that age. Here are some wonderful definitions that have been shared before, but are fun to share again:

When my grandma got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandpa does it for her now, even when his hands got arthritis, too. That’s love. (Rebecca — age 8)

When someone loves you, you know that your name is safe is their mouths. (Billy — age 4)

Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other. (Kari – age 5)

Love is when you go to eat and you give somebody most of your French Fries without making them give you any of theirs. (Chrissy — age 6)

Love is what makes you smile when you’re tired. (Terri — age 4)

Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip giving it to him to make sure the taste is OK. (Danny — age 7)

Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas, if you stop opening presents and listen. (Bobby — age 7)

If you want to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate. (Nikka — age 6)

Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it every day. (Noelle — age 7)

Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well. (Tommy — age 6)

My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don’t see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night. (Clare — age 6)

Love is when mommy gives daddy the best piece of chicken. (Elaine — age 5)

Love is when mommy sees daddy is smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford. (Chris — age 7)

Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you let him alone all day. (Mary Ann — age 4)

You really shouldn’t say “I love you” unless you mean it. But if you mean it, say it a lot. People forget. (Jessica — age 8)

If you would like to talk with a parenting specialist, call the toll-free Parent WarmLine at 1-888-584-2204. Website: www.parentonline.org For free emergency child care call the Crisis Nursery at 1-877-434-9599.

Maryanne Law is the executive director of the Parenting Resource Center in Austin.