Ask your toddler, tween or high schooler what pops into their head when they think of Valentine’s day? You might get answers like: candy, chocolate, balloons, boyfriends, couples, girlfriends, gifts, kissing, stuffed animals, romantic date, holding hands etc…. This is probably what I would have said back in the day.
The media, society and peer pressure are doing a great job at shaping the thoughts of our children in all aspects of life. As a kid, I don’t ever recall thinking that Valentine’s day is a day to serve and love those who need some extra TLC or a day for me to remember all of the ways God loves me. Don’t worry I am not opposed to all the wonderful cute things that Valentines entails, in fact, I used some of them here in our Acts of Love V-day Countdown.
Well, the good news is your not too late to impress upon your child’s (it doesn’t matter if they are in highschool) heart another perspective, one that doesn’t scream “your a loser if you don’t have a date tonight.” I am not saying it’s wrong that kids think Valentines day is a day of romance but it is a one-sided view that definitely needs a good dose of perspective.
In the past 11 years we have incorporated lots of different traditions in hopes that our children would see that Valentines can also be a day of kindness for loved ones, friends and even strangers and not just a romantic holiday. Reminding them ” how wide, how long, how high, and how deep Gods love is for them” Ephesians 3:18.
As you read along, you may think “so cheesy, my junior higher will gag.” Don’t worry if there ever is a time to be cheesy, Valentine’s day is the day! I used to teach junior high and high school students and I used a sticker chart for them. When I mentioned it to my colleagues they laughed and thought it would never work because it was too elementary and cheesy, on the contrary they LOVED it and it worked like a charm.
Either way whether you choose this or another means, do remind them that Valentine’s day is a day of love and love is all encompassing. It’s not just limited to the boy or girl you like or the day you get lots of sugar from friends. Well, actually I still think it’s a day I get lots of sugar from my man!
8 Ways to Make Valentine’s Day Special for the Kids
The last one is for your spouse because they deserve extra special love on this day too!
- Valentines Day Acts of Love Coupons – This is always a fun way to show love to each other as a family. I’ve gotten some great coupons from my kids in the past!
- Free Valentine’s Day Print I framed ours and placed it on our mantle.
- Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt
- Make Valentine treats together. You don’t even have to be a baker for this you can buy frozen cookie dough or purchase already made cookies and use red icing and sprinkles to make hearts. We once made heart kabobs with fruit and marshmallows you can find it here. We also enjoyed making DIY Yummy Conversation hearts go here for the recipe.
- Meaningful Valentine’s Day Tradition
- Write them each a love note. In the note express specific things that you love about them but make sure not to compliment like this. I share here 28 Things Your Family Needs to Hear You Say
- Love Notes Game using Bible verses
- Printable Love notes for your spouse
