Kids Valentine's Day Surprises

As a child my very first Valentine came from my Daddy. Each year my parents would express their love for their children by having a special celebration just for us. We would eagerly look forward to receiving our box of chocolates and we would save the heart shaped box in our drawer of treasures. Even now as an adult my door bell will ring and flowers will be delivered from my Dad. This holiday is a way that he uses to keep that tie with his daughters and we each do something special for him as well.

I now have four children of my own and it is my chance to carry on this expression of love and celebration of my children. Here are some ideas that will help to create a love tie between you and your child.

1. Create anticipation: Talk about your love for your child and talk about the upcoming holiday. Build anticipation for the day by talking about the special time you will have with him or her.

2. Keep in mind school activities: Prepare in advance for your child's school activity. Let him or her pick out valentines at least a week in advance as selection decreases greatly as the day approaches. Consider allowing your child to bring a special gift for his or her teacher. You can find inexpensive gifts at the dollar store such as mugs with hearts or a small box of valentine candy. Allow your child to choose small gifts such as heart shaped lollipops for their closest friends. This is an opportunity to allow them to express their love and care for others.

3. Consider your child as you plan the event. Picture the night of celebration and consider the time table that you have that evening and make the most of the time that you do have. if you have time for a movie then plan ahead when choosing the movie. If your budget is limited create an inexpensive celebration with heart place mats or table cloth, heart plates (dollar store) and a spaghetti dinner. You can top the dinner off with a small gift of chocolate. The atmosphere should be set with music and create an atmosphere of love and celebration.

These special activities will be set in your child's memory forever and will be sealed in their hearts as a token of acceptance and love. A child that is loved and celebrated will learn to love and celebrate you their parent. They will then in the future be prepared to love and celebrate their spouse and children. This holiday can be used as a tool to begin creating generations of healthy families in your lineage.