Young children enjoy any holiday, no matter what they get to celebrate. On Valentine’s Day, they may show eagerness to celebrate love without understanding why we do so or why it’s important.
Having a special day to celebrate the people we love is essential. Love comes in many forms, from platonic to romantic, and our children need to know that love is worth celebrating. We’ve compiled some tips below for teaching children about Valentine’s Day and, more importantly, about love.
Your Guide to Teaching Children about Valentine’s Day
Provide an Age-Appropriate Definition of Love
No one can appreciate and celebrate something if they don’t know what it is. While children often hear the word love in various contexts, they may not understand the definition yet. As Valentine’s Day approaches, provide an age-appropriate definition of love. Many people simplify it to caring about someone or something, which means you want that person or thing to be as happy and safe as possible.
Model Romantic Love in Your Relationship
While your child will appreciate talking with you about love, they will learn more when they see love in action. Valentine’s Day is a great time to model romantic love. There are various fun and easy date night ideas for parents that you can enjoy around February 14 that will help your child understand love. For example, you may let your child eat dinner in front of the TV while you and your spouse have a candlelit dinner in another room. Explain that since you care about your spouse and want them to be happy, you are spending time alone together.
Explain Valentine’s Day Traditions
Now that your child has a better concept of love and what it may look like, you can offer specific explanations about Valentine’s Day. If your child is learning about this day and its history in school, do their homework with them and talk about what they’re learning. If this isn’t in the curriculum yet, have a casual conversation about the subject. For example, you could explain that a person named Valentine wanted people to love each other and be happy, so now we spend a specific day showing love to each other. You can also do Valentine’s Day crafts together.
Give Thoughtful Gifts
Gifts are a common part of many holiday celebrations, including Valentine’s Day. After explaining why they’re a part of this holiday’s tradition, you can help your child participate. Allow them to choose a person to give a gift to. Help them brainstorm what that person would enjoy and what would make them feel cared for. Once they select a gift, help them wrap it and give it to that person. For example, stuffed animals are a heartwarming gift for Valentine’s Day and are great for siblings, caregivers, and friends. On Valentine’s Day, give them a gift as well. Expressions of parental love should go beyond gifts, but this is one significant way that children perceive love.
While Valentine’s Day isn’t important on its own, these tips for teaching children about it will set them up for a lifetime of love. Personalize these tips with methods that your child will best understand so that they can grow up with a bright mind and a full heart.
Leave a Reply