I am one of those that grew up knowing I was loved but never actually hearing it! Still have never heard it to this day from my parents and I am almost 27. I therefore have made it a point to say it to Brian and the kids numerous times a day. Morning, night and at the end of every phone call and email!
And it has worked so well that just this morning I must have not said it loud enough to Braeden b/c he had to chase me down as I left daycare to yell at me. "Mama, you no say I love you." And man was he pissed! It was too funny!