In most cultures across the world, February 14 is known as Valentine's Day, a special time for celebrating love, and parents with young kids might want to spend this day teaching specific concepts about love's true meaning.
Children could be curious as to why Valentine's Day feels like second Christmas if they see people giving gifts to each other or if they are asked to give cards, letters, or gifts to someone in class. However, pediatric psychologist Dr. Stevie Puckett-Perez said that explaining the concept of Valentine's Day can be an "emotionally tricky situation" since some children might also experience rejection and self-doubt if they get nothing for Valentine's Day.
Here are some ways parents can help kids understand why people celebrate Valentine's Day and how it relates to the true meaning of love:
Sit Down and Discuss the Holiday
Center for Play Therapy and professor Dee Ray said that it's important to sit down and discuss the holiday's origins because it's not just about romantic interests. If the kids observe this special event in school, they need to know some of the origins of certain Valentine's Day traditions.
According to Romper, Valentine's Day observance started around the 1300s in Europe, and it is rooted in both pagan and Catholic beliefs. Kids should know that the holiday got its name from Saint Valentine, whose feast was celebrated every February 14.
However, in some cultures, the date also coincides with fertility celebrations of families who thank their gods for the bounty or for having children. The kids might also come across the legend of Cupid, the god of Eros (love) from Greek mythology, when speaking about Valentin's Day. Cupid has a powerful arrow that makes people fall in love.
However, in modern history, observing Valentine's Day means giving Valentine's gifts to loved ones. While romantic partners usually do this for each other, families and friends also engage in the tradition of gift-giving. These days, Valentine's Day is not an exclusive day for lovers and couples -- it is for everyone who wants to express love.
Do a Project for Valentine's Day
Parents may plan an uncomplicated Valentine's Day project with their kids to complement the discussion. The easiest thing to do is have an arts and crafts activity, where the kids could make cards or letters for a specific person. For older kids, they could prepare a meal together for a sibling, a grandparent, or another favorite relative or friend.
The idea behind doing the projects is to model the values of giving and expressing love. However, emphasize to the children that Valentine's Day is not about the material stuff but that they can make feel someone else very special, which is what true love is all about.
Managing the Disappointments
Some children might confide to their parents that they worry or feel anxious about Valentine's Day celebrations in school because they might not get anything or be rejected by the person they express love to. Parents should acknowledge these negative feelings and also be ready to listen if their day does not turn out as expected.
Take this opportunity to remind the kids that they can make every day a chance to express their feelings or to have an unexpected encounter with someone who will make them feel special. Valentine's Day is just one day, but there are still many other opportunities to give and receive love, whether it's platonic or romantic, per psychologist Susan Bartell.
