When you have kids, celebrating Valentines can feel like a luxury that has been long lost to your
pre-parenthood past. But Valentine’s Day is not just for couples and romance. It’s an opportunity to celebrate kindness, love, and all kinds of friendships and relationships. Whether you have a
toddler, school-aged children, or even high-schoolers, we have ideas for how you can help redefine this popular holiday for your family by implementing traditions that go beyond dinner dates and paper cards with candy attached.
- Create a “Praise” Jar.
Positive praise and compliments go a long way. Even Harvard Business Review concluded that for every negative comment an individual receives from family, friends, coworkers, or bosses, it takes 5 to 6 positive comments to motivate a person to do their best.
Every time anyone in your house does a good deed, write it down on a piece of paper and put it into the “praise” jar. Encourage everyone in your family to participate. You don’t have to wait till someone does a good deed either. You can write a compliment about your family members just because! Once a week, open the jar while having family dinner and let everyone take turns reading what’s inside. It’s a great way to bond and help everyone feel good about themselves. - Reach Out to Others.
Our kids learn much more from our actions than our words. And while it’s hard for parents and
caregivers to carve out additional time to do things in our communities, it can set a lasting example of kindness in our kids’ eyes. Brainstorm with your kids about who could use help and
what you all can do together to make a difference. Kids love to be involved in a process where
their input is treated as valuable!
Bring dinner to a family in need, or supplies to a local pet shelter. Even asking family members
and neighbors what you can do for them can let others know you’re thinking of them and want to
be there to help. - Make a List of Love.
Kids love to talk about the things they love and are interested in. Creating a list of things that
they love is fun activity that gets them thinking and writing! Ask them to include their favorite
places to visit, games to play, and types of animals. It feels good to think about the things that
make us happy
