By Nicola Kennedy

To you, Valentine’s Day may be a day to spend with your significant other or to spend out on the town. But, don’t forget about the kids. You should insure that you think about them on this day and find a way to express your love for them too. While they may have a party at school even giving each other fun Valentine’s cards, they still need to know that you are thinking about them on this day of love.

For many parents, there is a fine line between spoiling and showing that they care. That said, it is still important to demonstrate your love to them and what better way to do this than through Valentine’s Day? Here are some suggestions for gifts and things that you can do based on the age of your child.

Preschoolers, Up To Age Four

At this age, even this young, they should be able to see the value in giving a gift rather than just receiving one. Allow them to do something for others. For example, make a batch of cookies for the day (or purchase them) and allow them to decorate the plate providing a piece of paper for them to decorate. Make sure to reward them with a plate of cookies for themselves after they have delivered their gifts. Talk about why it is important to show love like this.

Gifts for this age group that you can give them include:

* Stuffed animals, perhaps personalized with their name.

* Books to read and color, perhaps with a theme of loving in them.

* Take them out to lunch at their favorite restaurant.

* Start a tradition such as a visit to the zoo on this day each year.

Young Children, Ages Five Through Seven

Now, they can do much more. Perhaps have a cookie making party and invite their friends and mom’s to help out. Have them make the cookies, decorate them and then help to pass them out. Perhaps taking them to a children’s hospital or a nursing home to help share the love of Valentine’s Day is a great solution. Provide them to neighbors, friends or even Grandma.

At this age, kids love to make things. This is the perfect project for them! Have them make cards, filled with great art supplies and stickers. Make sure to provide them with a reward for all of their hard work too.

Gifts here include:

* A stuffed animal, here think about their personal favorites.

* How about a movie?

* If you don’t want to take them to see a movie, instead purchase one that they want.

Older Children: Ages Eight And Up

The same activities of making cards and cookies together will still work here. They will likely take more pride in their work and the results will show it. Also, think about incorporating scrap booking into this activity. Kids can make a memory book of all their favorite adventures and memories to share with special people.

Another great suggestion is to remember to send pictures and cards to the troops overseas. Make sure to allow them to send their own messages and perhaps they’ll get a pen pal out of it too.

Afterwards, spend some time as a family with a pizza.

Print-friendly version