Valentine's day is one of my favorite holidays. It puts a smile on my face as I get another opportunity to express my love for my family and also celebrate it. For my children, with the gifts and over abundance of candy, this holiday is like a second Christmas. However, over the years, I have decided to help my family put Valentine's Day in perspective.
Valentine's day symbolizes more than exchanging treats, cards and “Roses are red, Violets are blue” poems. It’s a day to express love and gratitude towards others. Most importantly, being kind to one another and celebrating each individual for who they are, despite our differences.
Some suggestions for this day of love
If your child wants to do something special for friend that extends beyond exchanging valentines in class, make time for them to get together outside of school.
Remember that as parents, we transmit values to our children through our behavior and actions. If we celebrate the holiday by exchanging expensive gifts, it is likely that our children will expect and want to do the same.
Have a family discussion about the holiday. Touch on how kind actions and words make a deeper impact on others. Compile a list of random acts of kindness and work on them as Valentine gifts. Together you can spread the love!