Valentine’s Day is around the corner, with stores packed full of commercially appealing cards and treats. It’s easy to fall into the marketing behind the holiday and lose track of Valentine’s Day being about “love.” There are many definitions of love but what I’ve come to learn is that love is truly an action word. It’s important to equip your children to know how to put love into action, and Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to do that.
Beyond the commercial-marketed holiday, there are ample opportunities for us as parents to help teach our children that love isn’t just buying flowers (which is still a wonderful gesture) or a box of chocolates (which I must admit I enjoy). Love in action means we SHOW people through our actions that we care about them. Most children, although adorable, are selfish (aren’t we all?). We must teach them to care for other people and to help them burst through the selfish bubble that our society tends to encourage.
3 IDEAS TO HELP YOUR CHILD SHOW LOVE.
- Make homemade Valentine’s Cards and write inside or draw a picture about something your child appreciates about that person. You could give one to a caring neighbor, definitely grandparents, their soccer coach or dance teacher, etc. Help your child notice people and show God’s love through little gestures, like a card.
- Make a treat and share it with an elderly neighbor or a caring person in his/her life. This lets your child have a hands-on experience of doing something for someone they care about, impacting both your child and the recipient.
- Make a phone video expressing a Happy Valentine’s message and what that person means to them. What grandparent or caring adult wouldn’t melt to receive this?
These life lessons instill character in our children and equip them to become caring and warm people. As a result, they will live happier, more fulfilled lives. Even in the busiest of seasons, we can find 15-30 minutes one evening to help our children learn how to show love.
Blessings,
Jeanne
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