How Do You Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Your Child?
Remember the song “What about Love” by the rock band Heart? It’s got some good lyrics… What about love? Don’t you want someone to care about you?
While Valentine’s Day is often associated with romance, it can be a wonderful day of celebration for the family. In this article, mothers reminisce about the good old days and share lovely gestures and creative gift-giving ideas that demonstrate their love for their children.
Cherished Memories
“When my kids were little, I always decorated the house with Valentine’s Day décor, and I’d make themed breakfast. E.g., heart-shaped pancakes and eggs. For dinner, I’d make something special for us and they’d have a little gift from me. We have always liked celebrating different holidays that way.”
“When my son was little, we always did a Valentine’s Day scavenger hunt. I hid clues that led him to a love note, treat, or little treasure. We didn’t do a lot.”
“I would bake a nice cake and have my child decorate it. We would then make handmade cards that we could keep for old-time sake. Nothing fancy, just memories.”
Lovely Gestures
“I always make them a basket with their favorite candy, perfume, and skincare products. Then, we go out to eat. Once we get home, we get in our matching PJs, play Uno, and watch a movie.”
“On this special day, I bake an assortment of goodies for my three children and prepare individual gift baskets to fit their personalities. For example, my middle child enjoys playing tennis. So, in his gift basket, along with the goodies, I will have some personalized tennis balls and a personalized tennis towel. My children always love my baked goodies, the thoughtful additional items, and the Valentine’s card, which I make myself.”
“Every year, I get the kids a basket with snacks, candies, and a card.”
“I have a child, and he just turned 12. We don’t do much. He’s still at that age where he makes me a handmade card, and we may share a hug. Nothing big, very simple.”
Creative Gift-Ideas
“When my children were little, I created mini heart-shaped bags out of construction paper, which they would decorate, sign, and fill with candies and bring to school to share with friends.”
Adult Children
“Now that they are older, I will give them a little something like the traditional chocolate heart or a small gift. The thought of me behind it is that they always feel like they know they have a Valentine and that when they have their friends and significant others, they too celebrate. My daughter has already taken on a similar spirit for it because now that she stays with her grandma most of the time, she has a Valentine’s Day tree!”
“My children are adults and have husbands/children, which I also consider when celebrating Valentine’s Day. However, I celebrate Valentine’s Day by sending a large box of See’s chocolates to everyone. Sometimes, I include a card expressing how much I love and cherish them as my family.”
“Since the kids are adults, I haven’t been sending them stuff like I did when they were under 18, but who doesn’t still enjoy chocolates and those hearts with lovely words?”
“I buy my adult children humongous teddy bears and some treats to express my love. Their girlfriends get some cute heart jammies with chocolates.
“My girls are adults now and married, so they celebrate Valentine’s Day with their significant other.”
Family Traditions
“We celebrate Valentine’s Day together as a family for dinner. Afterward, my husband and I do something unusual, like discuss whether we want to move.”
“Every Valentine’s Day, I’ve always given my kids a Valentine’s Day card with a gift card to their favorite place to eat. My family either goes out to eat or stays in and cooks something really yummy.”
“I celebrate my daughter and her husband’s wedding anniversary on this day.”
Extending the Love
“I help my children pick out gifts for their teachers and friends. Those heart-shaped balloons are nice!”
“We have a potluck with all their friends in my home full of games and dance. We ask them to each bring a present to play the pink elephant.”
“With my kids in school, we would write notes for a local assisted living facility. It was a group we had come to the school once a month to read stories to them, put together puzzles, or arts and crafts. So, we would always make them unique cards for Valentine’s Day.”
Mothers share personal experiences celebrating Valentine’s Day. As children grow older, new traditions can be established. What can you do to make Valentine’s Day memorable for your child?
Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your little ones!
Thanks for reading.
Elvira