The supermarket aisles are stacked full of everything from heart-shaped chocolates to huge teddy bears and glittery cards – love is definitely in the air. Many children are excited that Valentine’s Day is here at last. And why wouldn’t they be? It’s like having another Christmas to celebrate.
While having romantic relationships in our life is important, February 14th isn’t just about celebrating romance, it’s the perfect opportunity to teach children about understanding and appreciating all types of relationships, after all, the benefits of having healthy relationships have a huge influence on your child’s mental and physical wellbeing.
We want your children to have a day they will never forget so we’ve come up with some ways that you can give the gift of love to your little ones by showing and teaching them the true meaning of Valentine’s Day.
Show children the true meaning of love
First of all, we should speak about that four-letter word: LOVE. We most likely say it a lot around our children but how often do we teach them ways to show it?
While you have been showing your children love since they were born, understanding the true meaning of love may be a challenge for them. Teaching kids about what love really stands for will help them to develop important traits such as how to be kind or empathetic while guiding them to develop strong relationships with those around them.
Spend meaningful time together
Love is a powerful word and can be the best thing in the world to hear, so skip the sugary sweets this year and focus instead on meaningful connections with friends, family and loved ones.
Although spending the day with your young children can often seem long and stressful, the years go by quickly so arrange some regular quality time together. Even if you lead a busy lifestyle, you can stop counting how many minutes you can dedicate to your children each day and start focusing on turning those minutes into memorable moments.
Say “I love you” more
There are so many great reasons for telling your child that you love them and it’s something that you should make an effort to do every day.
When children know that they have the unconditional love of their parents backing them up, they gain more courage to try new things.
Celebrate your child’s best efforts
The best way to praise your child is by teaching them that their best efforts are more important than their success. By celebrating small achievements together you can show that you love your child the way they are while boosting their self-esteem.
Let go, listen and laugh
Let’s face it, parenthood can be hectic and we can sometimes forget how to just let loose and be happy in the moment. Allowing yourself to be a cheerful parent will help your child and you to create a stronger bond.
Showing love for others on Valentine’s Day
It makes sense that your children would want to share those love-filled Valentine’s Day vibes with their nearest and dearest but short of sending expensive gifts to the special people in your life, there are plenty of ways for you and your kids to show you care by sharing a little extra love to those who need it.
Visiting elderly or sick relatives
Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to show love and affection to elderly or sick family and friends. To someone who is feeling alone and isolated, a short visit could mean a lot, and it could have a profound impact on their day.
Show kindness to a stranger
Making a little more love in your heart for a stranger will make you a happier and healthier person. By doing a good deed for someone you do not know, like offering a homeless person some food or a hot cup of tea you, will allow your child to experience the gift of selfless giving.
Remind your child that kindness doesn’t have to cost money, even a simple smile or a small chat can brighten someone’s day.
Organise a friend date
Let’s think back to what made Valentine’s Day so great when we were kids. It wasn’t a day for romantic interests, it was all about celebrating the friends you loved—and loved you.
Teach your child the importance of love, friendship and sharing by inviting their closest friends over. Spending time with friends can help them to understand gratitude and compassion towards others, so why not let them show their friends how important they are with a Muddy Boots Sleepover?
