I LOVE Valentine’s Day. Yes I am aware that for some it’s the most annoying and pointless holiday ever, but for me, its my favorite! I love that its all about love, joy and kindness. You get to tell people how much you love them through funny cards, chocolate and flowers. Plus I don’t have to worry about scary and gross costumes hanging in the stores that will scare my kids (major perk!)
I can remember as a child, absolutely loving the moment I got pick out my valentines at the store. I remember going through all of them and choosing the perfect one for my friends (and the boy I had a crush on of course.) Because I am now an adult and don’t get the satisfaction of picking out Valentine’s anymore, I thought it would be fun to incorporate the purpose of Valentines day in another way. My life is consumed with raising little humans, so there is no better time than now to involve them in spreading the love. If you’re looking for ways to involve and teach your kids about kindness this Valentines Day, check out a few of my ideas below!
Lead By Example
Our children learn so much more through what we do than what we say. Life is so crazy and busy with kiddos, and it can be easy to overlook how to bring joy to people. But honestly, keep is simple. The most meaningful acts of kindness are seen in the day to day. Tell your spouse how special they are and give them a hug and kiss (in front your kids!) Wake up early to make coffee and lunch for your spouse. Thank your babysitter for taking such good care your babies by giving them a gift card to their favorite coffee shop. If we want kiddos who are kind and thoughtful, we must teach them!
Take a Meal to a Family
What family out there wouldn’t love a free, hot and ready meal!? For no other reason other than to say “we love you,” choose a family this Valentine’s Day and take them a meal. I encourage you to involve your kids in the process too. Include your kids in the decision of who you will cook for and what you will make (even if it’s just a pizza and salad). Have them color a picture and put it in the package you drop at the doorstep. Like I have said before, kids learn so much more through what we do over what we say.
Send Homemade Valentines to Family
There is nothing sweeter to me than a scribbled page by my daughter. It absolutely melts my heart when she worked hard to make something just for me #heartmelted. How much more special will it be if your little ones make personalized Valentines for their Nana, Papaw, Aunties and Uncles? And possibly their siblings too? There are gobs of ideas all throughout Pinterest, but below are a few of my favorites that used at the Valentine's Day party I hosted. Again, keep it simple!
Make Goodies For Your Neighbors
During the holidays people are bombarded with all kinds of goodies, but once the dust settles from Christmas cookies and toffee, perhaps your neighbors are ready for another yummy treat. Choose an easy sweet mix that your kids can help make and spoon it into cute valentine baggies, pile them into the stroller and head out for delivery. This unexpected treat will not only bring a smile to their face but also shows your children the importance of building intentional relationships with their neighbors.
Have a Valentines Day Party
This is such a fun way to get all the little buddies together to craft and share in a meal. Like I say with everything, keep it simple and relaxed. Pick a few of your favorite crafts on Pinterest, cut some pb&j sandwiches into hearts and boom: Valentines Day party! It’s more about getting together with your friends and making traditions rather than having a big luxurious party. To capture the moment, put "Happy Valentines Day 2019" on a letter board and take some pics of the kiddos! A get together like this will teach your kids about the importance of community and celebrating in how to share kindness through food and fun.
Kindness is something we must teach our children, and we if don’t do it, who will? I want to encourage you to think outside the box this Valentines Day and use it this holiday as an opportunity to teach and share kindness. Your kiddos are listening but even more so, they are watching, so be kind.
Happy Valentine’s Day Mamas!
Abby is a Mom to two little ones and is an amazing team member of Baja Baby. She lives in Colorado with her husband Alex, their beautiful daughter Amelia Grace, baby boy Amos Lee and Maple the dog. You can find Abby on Instagram by clicking here.
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