This is a sponsored guest post.
Valentine’s Day may be just another day, but it’s also another day when we can show our appreciation and love for the people that matter most to us.
Traditionally, it’s about romantic relationships, but today it’s about all relationships. Paper hearts, parties, and a lot of candy: whatever we want and like to put a smile on those we love.
But beyond all the material things, there is an opportunity for something more – something greater. It is an opportunity to teach. As parents, we spend as much time as we’re able teaching our kids, shaping them to be the best that they can be. We teach manners, routines, and responsibility.
Every little thing we can. We pour our all into them. And why wouldn’t we?
Our kids are what matter the most. Suffice it to say, when an opportunity to let them grow into better people presents itself, it is a good opportunity to take. What better opportunity could there be but a holiday dedicated solely to caring?
Empathy is one of life’s most important skills. Kids are like a sponge; they absorb what they hear and see. If they grow up in a place of love and caring, they will naturally become more loving and caring.
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time for this.
It’s basically an opportunity to not just tell what kindness is, but to show it. And show it in bundles.
Love Is More Than a Card, Although It Took Most of Us Quite Some Time to Learn That
When kids think about Valentine’s Day, they often think about who they’ll give cards to or what treats they’ll get.
I’m sure most of us can’t really blame them. Perhaps it is childish, but we can all still remember the first time we got a card or some candy on that auspicious day. It was fun, and it felt good.
It’s not a bad thing to have fun, but why not take that fun and expand it into something more while we’re at it? It could be fun.
Some of the questions we can ask are:
- What does it mean to show someone you care?
- How can we help someone who might be having a hard day?
- Who in our family might need a little extra love right now?
These conversations don’t have to be serious or heavy. It’s better if they aren’t. A nice venue, like a cozy dinner, can help brighten up the venue.
And even if all fails, we still get to have a cozy dinner.
Grandparents In The Picture
Grandparents love their grandkids – sometimes a bit too much.
Kisses and hugs are fine, but too much can be a little bit suffocating.
Whether our grandparents live nearby, across the country, or in an assisted living or a nursing facility, Valentine’s Day is a wonderful excuse to check in.
The best present for our grandparents is time spent together, but a little bit extra might not hurt.
Maybe the kids could:
- Draw a picture for Grandma or Grandpa
- Record a short ‘Happy Valentine’s Day’ video
- Make a handmade card filled with things they love about them
- Ask about their favorite childhood memory
These small gestures teach our children that love includes paying attention and staying connected. After all, time is precious and especially so to older loved ones.
It’s difficult being lonely, and a small gesture goes a long way.
Caring for Those That Cared For Us
Although important, health isn’t only about washing hands, produce, and having clean clothes.
There’s another aspect of health, and that’s emotional health or well-being. This is even more important to seniors who have a lot on their plates. After all, you don’t get to be a senior by not experiencing a lot in life.
Children don’t need to know every detail and every nuance their grandparents are going through, but it doesn’t hurt to understand that sometimes a little added support may be needed.
A little empathy and awareness could go a long way.
Kids Learn From Watching the Adults
If our kids see us caring for our parents, they’ll learn the importance of doing the same. Sometimes our parents need extra care depending on their situation.
For any family with relatives in long-term facilities, like nursing homes or assisted living homes, it is important to understand the signs and causes of nursing home negligence or watch out for any negative indicators to advocate for proper care.
While this isn’t something kids can see or understand in detail, it’s still important to have awareness to some degree.
Dignity and respect are human rights.
Some warning signs adults watch for may include:
- Unexplained bruises or frequent injuries
- Sudden weight loss or dehydration
- Changes in mood, fearfulness, or withdrawal
- Poor hygiene or unsanitary conditions
- Lack of responsiveness from the staff
When children see adults checking in, asking questions, and staying involved, they learn that love isn’t passive.
Conclusion
Make or buy something small to show your appreciation to parents, grandparents, or family friends. Anything goes.
It’s all about community and connection. And since kids learn from parents, we’re guiding them into becoming better people. Better humans.
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Hi there! I am Emily Evert, the owner of Emily Reviews. I am 28 and live in a small town in Michigan with my boyfriend Ryan and our two pugs. I have a large family and I adore my nieces and nephews. I love reading memoirs, and learning about child development and psychology. I love watching The Game of Thrones, Teen Mom, Sister Wives and Veep. I like listening to Jason Isbell, John Prine, and other alt-country or Americana music. I created Emily Reviews as a creative outlet to share my life and the products that I love with others.
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