Most years, my parents would go out for dinner and have a romantic date while I took care of my siblings. As the oldest of all my siblings, I’ve always tried to come up with fun activities to do for Valentine’s Day. But most of the time, we would just end up watching TV together. For the most part, children who celebrate Valentine’s Day mostly celebrate it in a classroom setting by writing valentines and buying candy to pass out. And that’s where it remains.
One year, my parents decided they wanted to have Valentine’s Day with the entire family. In my teenage mind, I didn’t expect it to be super fun: a mere family dinner with some kind of a pink dessert. To my surprise, we had a lot of fun making heart-shaped cookies and finger-painting as a family. That Valentine’s, I felt a little extra love from my parents.
More importantly, my siblings and I were reminded of the wholesome concept of Valentine’s Day. The importance of love, gratitude, and overall joy encapsulates that of what a child likes to receive every single day. And while, for the most part, parents provide love and affection to their children, this holiday can be an extra important lesson for the entire family. Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, but it can be tricky for children who are self-conscious about the number of candies they receive at school or if they will get a valentine from a particular person.
Parents can use this day to teach their children that the true meaning of Valentine’s Day is to be kind and embrace differences. Not only does the principle inspire love towards others, but it also promotes self-love in children.
Here are a couple of activities that you can do with your children to promote the warmhearted spirit of Valentine’s Day:
- Make a heart-shaped lunch or dinner together
- Bake Valentine’s Day themed desserts
- Make hangable Valentine’s Day art to display at home
- Make a painting or a poem as a family
Anything that promotes kindness to oneself, the family, and/or others is a great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. At the end of the day, saving a portion of your Valentine’s Day holiday with your children will become a fond memory and a great experience for everyone.
For more inspiration, check out our Holiday Pinterest board!
