When it appears that the overspending related to the winter holidays is winding down, Valentine’s Day and its “things = love” advertisements arrive. It might be tempting to want to offer our kids material things and Valentine’s Day sweets, frequently at the expense of thoughtful tiny gifts and simple acts of love.
We may have this mindset as parents because we want to give our kids the greatest life possible. But unhurried family time, loving memories made with children, and teaching them the importance of love are undoubtedly more priceless than any present you could possibly give. A nice time to start is on Valentine’s Day.
TIPS TO TEACH & SHOW CHILDREN THE MEANING OF LOVE
Here are a few suggestions for Valentine’s Day that you may use all year to tell your kids you care:
Send words of love and letters. A simple “I love you” letter placed under a pillow, in a backpack, or in a lunchbox can serve as a constant reminder to your child of your love.
Spend time with your kids that matters. We frequently find ourselves hurrying from one task to another as busy parents. Turn off the television, put down the phone, even though it can be challenging at times, and spend quality time with your child.
Spend quality time with your kids. We frequently find ourselves hurrying from one task to another as busy parents. Having dinner together as a family as frequently as possible is an easy place to start. Turn off the television and engage in a conversation instead. Talk about your day, your friends, and perhaps even take turns posing “what would you do if” scenarios.
Make a Valentine’s Day activity with your kid. It doesn’t need to be a difficult or complicated project. Make a simple Valentine’s Day craft for kids out of items you may find around the house, such as making up a song while you’re driving, using magnets to create a poetry, or cooking a meal together.
Instead of focusing on accomplishments, encourage your child for his or her best attempts. Think back to when your baby was just learning to walk. From pulling up to walking while holding onto furniture to taking the first steps, you applauded every effort. As we grow older, we often place more value on outcomes, such as grades or game wins, than on actions, such as understanding a new concept or being willing to try something new. Even if your child’s efforts don’t lead to winning accomplishments, be sure to offer words of support and encouragement to acknowledge their attempts.
Dream with your children. As a child, recall lying on your back and looking up at the sky while naming the different cloud shapes and daydreaming about life. Simple ideas and dialogues have the power to ignite the imagination, pique curiosity, or launch a dream. So, sit back and daydream with your child.
Let go, listen, and laugh. Considering how busy our lives have become and how many commitments we have, we frequently develop rigid routines and become more concerned with getting things done than we are with enjoying the moment. Commit to taking it slower, even if it’s just one day a week, and letting the schedule go to show your kids you care. Even though there are dishes in the sink, lie on the couch and read a book together. Even when there is dusting to be done, make up jokes with your partner. Ask your child what he wants to chat about while you are out for a stroll and pay close attention even if you are thinking about something else.
TEACHING CHILDREN HOW TO EXPRESS LOVE
A gift that lasts a lifetime is teaching children how to love. Here are a few easy lessons on how to show love to your child all year long:
- Show your youngster what love, friendship, kindness, and inclusion look like. Being an intentional role model is just as crucial as any other teaching technique. Teach your child what it is to accept others, to be a good friend, to involve others, and to be nice.
- Be a good friend. School Valentine’s Day parties are frequent, and card exchanging is a fun activity in the majority of classrooms. This is a wonderful chance to encourage kids to consider friendships. Sit with your kid while she writes or signs the cards, whether you make them yourself or buy them, and chat to her about her classmates and what it means to be a good friend.
- Share your love, appreciation, and compassion for the neighbourhood. Love can be powerfully expressed and given, both for the giver and the recipient. Consider how you might be grateful, compassionate, and loving to others and to your community.
SOURCE: Bright Horizons | Valentine’s Day Ideas for Kids: Teaching the Meaning of Love | Bright Horizons®