Valentines for your kids: right or wrong? (2024)

Love it or loathe it, Valentine's Day is meant to be about declaring your love for the significant other in your life. But what about the little significant others: your kids?

Advertisem*nt

Is it a sweet idea to send your child a Valentine's card – or give them a heart-shaped gift? Or is including your child in the February 14 lovefest a bit weird?

We asked the parents in our Top Testers Club community to share their thoughts about it all. And found opinion was actually quite split...

Yes, giving your child a Valentine's Day card or treat is a lovely thing to do

Those who include their children in Valentine's Day tend to go all out on presents and special meals and messages of caring and kindness.

"We have little presents and special dinner," says Stephanie M. "My little boy calls it Love Day."

More like this

"I always do a little note," says Tanya B, "and give chocolate hearts or teddy bears. I make it a day all about love and happiness and being kind."

And Aileen F also makes a special effort to mark Valentine's with her girls. "I do cards, and put on a little tea party and get something small," she says. "Last year, I got them each a little hug rock to take to school. I'm not nearly as fussed about all the commercial stuff for adults, to be honest, like overpriced flowers, chocolate and meals out!"

For Lauren J, sharing Valentine's Day with her children is particularly important. "I have all boys," she says, "and, every year, I make them a special breakfast and set the table up with a little handmade card each and a flower in a glass for each.

"Hopefully one day they'll take this with them and do special things for their significant others. I need them to know that gifts aren't important but making an effort for someone you love means everything."

No, giving your child a Valentine's Day card or treat is not right

There are plenty of you who reckon Valentine's Day is not for the kids. And some, like Amber C, who think "it's so weird when parents do this".

"It's not something we do," says Tanya G. "For us, Valentine's Day is about romance – which doesn't involve our kids. We need one night a year where we focus on each other."

This is a feeling echoed by many of you, including Hayley B, who adds, "I think kids need to learn that it's OK to have special days that aren’t all about them and that it’s perfectly normal not to get a Valentine on Valentine’s Day… but still be able let others celebrate love.

"Romantic love is different to family love. Until they get partners of their own, they can watch Mummy and Daddy show love to each other and be happy for us, and understand how important that romantic relationship is to the family as a whole."

We'll leave the last word to a weary Jo P, who says, "I don't get time to give my husband a card, so there's no chance of the kids getting one!"

Advertisem*nt

Read more:

Valentines for your kids: right or wrong? (2024)

FAQs

Are you supposed to get your kids valentine's? ›

Yes, giving your child a Valentine's Day card or treat is a lovely thing to do. Those who include their children in Valentine's Day tend to go all out on presents and special meals and messages of caring and kindness. "We have little presents and special dinner," says Stephanie M. "My little boy calls it Love Day."

Should you celebrate valentine's Day with your kids? ›

Valentine's Day is a great opportunity to teach children the value of expressing love and appreciation for others. Also, celebrating Valentine's Day with your children can create special memories and traditions that will last a lifetime, and these traditions can become an annual part of your family's celebrations.

What do you write in a valentine card for kids? ›

Here are some ideas on what to write in preschool valentine cards.
  1. Sending great, big hugs and kisses to the littlest, most lovable Valentine I know.
  2. Don't ever forget how special you are…and how much your grandma and grandpa love and miss you.
  3. Wish I could be there to give an amazing niece a Valentine's Day hug.

Should you get your child a Valentine's card? ›

To many, Valentine's Day is no longer about celebrating your significant other – if you have one – but your relationship with just about anyone, whether platonic or familial. In some families, it's now standard procedure to exchange Valentine's Day cards between parents and children.

Should I wish my daughter happy Valentines Day? ›

Regardless of what you choose to write, remember that the most important thing is to make your daughter smile and to remind her just how much she's loved. Whether your message is long or short, simple or complex, sending her a special card will surely show her just how much you care.

What does it mean to be someone's Valentine for kids? ›

A valentine is a sweetheart: specifically, someone who receives a greeting or attention on Valentine's Day. There are many words for someone you like in a romantic way, such as sweetie, main squeeze, boyfriend, girlfriend, significant other, and special someone.

Do kids still give Valentines in school? ›

Most teachers and etiquette experts we spoke with indicated that it is usually recommended to give every student in the classroom a valentine, especially if your child is passing them out at school. Doing so teaches your child to be inclusive and keeps kids from feeling alone or isolated.

Can you say happy Valentine's Day to your son? ›

Valentine's Day is a wonderful day to show your children how you feel about them. Tell them how much they mean to you. You need to show them that it is a day for both kids and grown-ups alike! Children like to be a part of any festive day, and you can make their wish come true by leaving them love messages.

What is Valentine's word for kids? ›

Some of Valentine's Day Words for kids are cupid, heart, angel, love, admire, feeling, rose, love notes, Valentine card, family, flowers, chocolates, appreciation, happiness, etc.

What is a simple Valentine rhyme for kids? ›

Five little hearts, all in a row. The first one said, "I love you so!" The second one said, "Will you be my Valentine?" The third one said, "I will, if you'll be mine!" The fourth one said, "I'll always be your friend!" The fifth one said, "I'll all be friends until the very end!"

How to explain Valentine to children? ›

Describe the day as one of sharing love for all people, not just romantic interests. Remind the child that gifts can come in other ways besides being wrapped, and that love can be shown through acts of kindness or words of encouragement–not only in gifts or candy.

Can kids celebrate Valentine's day? ›

We can celebrate the day by commemorating his sacrifice and reaffirming the value of the institution of marriage. Valentine's Day can also provide kids with a healthy way to express affection for others.

Are girls supposed to give boys Valentines gifts? ›

It's simply not true that Valentine's Day is the day for only women to receive gifts and tokens. The idea of spoiling your boyfriend on Valentine's Day isn't necessarily about how much money you are spending but about saying to your boyfriend that you love and appreciate all that they do in your relationship.

Do dads buy daughters Valentines? ›

Absolutely! It's not only appropriate; it could make for a meaningful tradition. True, it might seem odd or uncomfortable. Boys might even say, “Dad, that's weird.” But it isn't—and deep down, you know they're eating it up.

Are boys supposed to get something for Valentine's Day? ›

Whether your guy is expecting a gift for Valentine's Day or not, it's a thoughtful gesture on a day that's all about your love for each other. The best Valentine's Day ideas will play to his love language — and your relationship.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Errol Quitzon

Last Updated:

Views: 6518

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Errol Quitzon

Birthday: 1993-04-02

Address: 70604 Haley Lane, Port Weldonside, TN 99233-0942

Phone: +9665282866296

Job: Product Retail Agent

Hobby: Computer programming, Horseback riding, Hooping, Dance, Ice skating, Backpacking, Rafting

Introduction: My name is Errol Quitzon, I am a fair, cute, fancy, clean, attractive, sparkling, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.