i have no children, but i am married. and, even if i only have experience with the former, not the latter, i personally believe that it is very important to make a verbal demonstration. when the phrase "i love you" is directed at someone, it penetrates deep into their psyche. of course, it goes without say that your words must be consistent with your actions. communication is key, verbal or otherwise. the frequency to which you communicate your affections also make an impression.
however, because we are all human, there are times in which we say or do something that can contradict our claims of love. certain miscommunications and slip of our inner savagery occur. when those things happen, it's a very good idea to impart the context of the situation and clear up any misconceptions, but especially to remind them that you love them despite the wrong on your part.
when you love someone, you make them feel cared for and secure. i believe the most efficient way of doing so is communicating this specifically.
I tell my wife I love her 10 or more times a day, stay Loyal and true to her,buy what she wants just because she deserves it, tell her not to change a thing about her because she's perfect just the way she is, have a conversation with her and find new things about her on what she likes and dislikes and remember them, cook the food she loves, do anything to make her smile, travel the world and go places that she would only dream of visiting, never keep a secret and always be open and Never EVER abuse her
