It's a Mistake to Encourage Kids to Send Valentine's Day Cards
If someone wants to hand out Valentine's Day cards, go ahead, knock yourself out. But my first thought is - what a waste. There are 18 kids in the class. If all 18 kids used the $5 or more that they spent on cards to give other kids that get thrown out or lost 20 minutes after the kids get home and instead gave that money to the class to use for supplies - everyone would be better off.
And why do we have to give cards to everyone in the class? There are five kids on this list that I have never heard my son mention. Why should he be required to give cards to kids with whom he doesn't play? Are we so scared of the possibility of offending someone that we have to do something as idiotic as this?
Another thing that bothers me, is there anything less important in life than the number of Valentine's Day cards a five-year old gets? When I was in the second grade, I got more Valentine's Day cards than anyone else in my class. And you know what - it didn't make up for the fact that in the seven years of middle school and high school that you could count on the fingers of one hand the number of Valentine's Day cards that I received. And you would still have fingers left over.
Instead of working so hard to shelter kids from disappointment, wouldn't it be better to teach kids that disappointment is part of life? Creating an environment where nothing bad ever happens is unrealistic and does a disservice to kids. If a child doesn't learn how to handle setbacks and disappointments early in life, what happens when it inevitably happens? The child has no real-world experience to fall back on.
The school system should not be giving its blessing to this greeting card holiday. Encouraging five-year olds to hand out Valentine's Day cards is insane
Published by Brian Joura
Freelance writer for hire. References available upon request. View profile
Worst Valentine's Day Date EverWith Valentine's Day on the horizon, I thought I would share my worst Valentine's Day date ever.- Valentine's Day Cards You Can Make for FreeOk, so if you are on a real tight budget and the thought of buying stamps alone sends you into frenzy, then this project may be for you.
Personalized Wax Paper Pillow Valentines' Day Cards for PreschoolersPreschoolers can make their own inexpensive and personalized Valentine's cards with this easy Wax Paper Pillow Valentine's Day Card craft. 
Homemade Valentine's Day Card CraftsShare Valentine's Day with your kids by creating these adorable and simple Valentine's Day crafts that they can share with their classmates and friends.
Homemade Valentine's Day Cards from Recycled MaterialUse these simple instructions to make personalized Valentine's Day cards for your loved ones!
- Homemade Silk Screen Valentine's Day Cards
- Merciless Murder: A True St. Valentine's Day Tale
- Valentine's Day on a Budget
- Rock Songs in Commercials - Artistic Sellout or Necessary Marketing Ploy?
- How to Make Homemade Valentine's Day Cards from Recycled Material
- Review of Blue Mountain Hallmark and DaySpring Valentine's Day E-Cards
- Homemade Valentine's Day Cards from Recycled Material
13 Comments
Post a CommentRelax lady, let the children have fun, don't make a loving time of fun turn into politics for preschoolers
Great Article! As I chased down the search for Valentine's Day cards, I thought to myself the same things that you had written. Society has placed a pressure on the children to be extra nice on this day, at least that is my perspective on the situation. A kid that hates another kid places a valentine into the pouch... why cause they HAVE to, which sends a mixed signal of false hopes. In the walking of the other side, I kept searching for those $1 boxes of valentines so my sons could pass them out to each member of the class, to be involved with the social ranking of the day. That is what Valentine's Day used to be when I was in school, who was the girl that got the most roses and balloons from her friends, find her and you have found the most popular girl in school. Schools still settle around the social events seperating and dividing, yet this is the only holiday that is left to celebrate and a reason to get candy with in the school walls.
Valentine's Day is the only holiday you can still mention in public school these days, and I guess Halloween too (at least until the religious nut jobs proclaim it as Satanic). I remember making Christmas and Easter cards in school Now you can't even refer to these holidays in school. They are now called Winter Break and Spring Break. Sad.
Interesting perspective. I think kids have to grow up to quickly as it is.
I however, do remember buying Valentine's for this occasion, and it was an expense. All the other kids had store bought Valentines, also. Hmmm.
I am deeply moved and saddened by just me's comment.
Good question, Brian.
Interesting take, Brian.
Hi Just Me - thanks for reading and commenting. Were you four or five when this happened?
When I was a kid, I was not allowed to participate in holiday activities. I did not mind.. for the most part. Christmas did not bother me at all.. but Valentines day was tough. Making that special bag decorated with hearts to hang up by your desk, so others could put in a valentine message seemed to me, to be the most magical thing imaginable. And when I had to sit out.. while all the other kids circled the room.. putting their little valentines into the bags of others.. I felt devestated. To the children.. it was not some sinister Hallmark holiday.. it was an opportunity to share friendship.. to say.. "I like you". There is nothing inane about it... except in your projection.
ps great point, about this not being required for any other holiday. Hmmm. $
LOL at Teresa's comment. :-) True. Well said.
I am glad that you shared this with us, Brian. In my day, we gave Valentines to whom we wanted to, if we wanted to. I understand that fairness seems to be an issue here. Still, it does take some of the fun and surprise out of the day, in my opinion. There sure won't be any complaining about any child not getting a Valentine's Day card. Guess that is the goal. No hurt feelings, which is good. So, well, get to drawing those hearts...lolol. I loved this article and I think it is a great debate or topic for Valentine's Day. Five stars.