Baby M (who is not such a baby anymore) is so excited for Valentine’s Day this year! I am always looking for ways to make holidays super special for her, and this one is no different. Today we dive into Valentine’s Day traditions that you can start with your toddler, too.
As we navigate the joyous journey of parenthood, let’s add a sprinkle of love and create lasting memories with our little ones.
Because, let’s face it, there’s nothing more magical than celebrating love through the innocent eyes of our precious tots. So, grab a cup of warmth, and let’s dive into creating heart-filled traditions that will make every Valentine’s Day with your toddler extra special.
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Do I need to celebrate Valentine’s Day with my kids?
Some people will say that Valentine’s Day has been totally co-opted by parents and is no longer about romantic love, but school love boxes and teddy bears.
I’m not sure where I stand, but the debate around celebrating Valentine’s Day with kids is an interesting one, with valid points on both sides.
For: Embracing Family Love
Celebrating Valentine’s Day with your kids can be a beautiful way to emphasize the importance of love in all its forms. It’s an opportunity to teach them about love for family, friends, and themselves. Engaging in simple, age-appropriate activities can create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds.
Against: Romantic Connotations
On the flip side, some argue that Valentine’s Day is traditionally associated with romantic love between adults. They believe it might be more meaningful for children to focus on other celebrations or expressions of love that are more tailored to their understanding and experiences.
Ultimately, the decision to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your kids depends on your family values and what feels right for you. Whether you choose to incorporate it into your family traditions or opt for different ways to express love throughout the year, the most important thing is to create an environment where love is celebrated in all its forms.
Valentine’s Day Family Traditions
Door affirmations
Door affirmations are what inspired this post! I saw someone else post it on Instagram (can’t find their @). Basically you put a heart shaped “affirmation” on your toddlers door every night while they’re asleep from February 1st-Valentine’s Day. They get to wake up each morning to a little love note and at the end you can put all the hearts together and make a little booklet.
This isn’t my door, but here’s an example.
I have some examples you can use below!
14 Lovely Affirmations Your Toddler Needs to Hear
- You are incredibly loved.
- You bring joy to our family.
- Your smile brightens up the room.
- You are growing smarter every day.
- You make everyday moments extraordinary.
- Your curiosity is a beautiful thing.
- You have a heart full of kindness.
- You are brave and strong.
- Your laughter is music to our ears.
- You are a wonderful friend.
- You are learning and growing at your own pace.
- You have the power to make a positive impact.
- You are a source of endless inspiration.
- Your presence makes our family complete.
More Valentine’s Day Family Traditions
- Heartfelt Breakfast: Start the day with a special Valentine’s Day breakfast. I remember creating heart-shaped pancakes with Baby M, and the joy on her face as we enjoyed our festive morning meal together.
- Love Notes: Our family loves exchanging love notes on Valentine’s Day. Baby M, even at her young age, enjoys drawing pictures and leaving them around the house as surprise messages for everyone.
- Crafting Session: Baby M and I often spend time crafting on Valentine’s Day. We’ve made homemade cards with finger paintings and decorated heart-shaped cookies, creating cherished keepsakes.
- Family Movie Night: One of our favorite traditions is a cozy family movie night. Baby M gets to choose a love-themed animated movie, and we snuggle up with popcorn for a heartwarming evening.
- Valentine’s Day Dinner: Baby M loves helping in the kitchen, especially on special occasions. We make Valentine’s Day dinner a family affair, with each of us contributing to the meal.
- Act of Kindness: Instilling the value of kindness is important to us. Baby M eagerly participates in our family kindness challenge, finding sweet ways to show love to each family member.
- Family Photoshoot: We capture our Valentine’s Day moments with a family photoshoot. Baby M enjoys posing with heart balloons and sharing her infectious smiles for our cherished family album.
- Game Night: Game night is a hit in our household. Baby M loves playing Valentine’s Day-themed board games, and the laughter and friendly competition make for memorable evenings.
- Dessert Extravaganza: Baby M’s eyes light up at the sight of the dessert table. We bake heart-shaped cookies together, and she takes pride in decorating each one with vibrant colors.
- Outdoor Adventure: Weather permitting, we embark on a Valentine’s Day outdoor adventure. Whether it’s a nature walk or a playful day at the park, these moments become treasured family memories.
- Book Reading: Our cozy reading nook comes alive on Valentine’s Day. Baby M chooses her favorite love-themed books, and we spend quality time immersed in heartwarming stories.
- Family Dance Party: Baby M’s enthusiasm for our family dance party is infectious. We groove to love songs, creating a lively atmosphere filled with laughter and joy.
- Planting Love: As a symbol of growth and love, Baby M helps plant flowers in our garden. Witnessing her curiosity and excitement as the flowers bloom is a heartwarming experience.
- Memory Lane: Reflecting on family memories is a tradition we hold dear. Baby M enjoys flipping through photo albums, pointing out familiar faces and reliving our special moments.
Valentine’s Day Meal Ideas for Toddlers
Toddler Friendly Valentine’s Day Desserts
Valentine’s Day Crafts for Toddlers
As we wrap up this guide to Valentine’s Day traditions for toddlers, remember that it’s not about grand gestures but the simple moments filled with love and joy. Whether it’s crafting together, sharing heart-shaped treats, or starting new traditions, these memories will become the foundation of your family’s love story. Wishing you and your little ones a Valentine’s Day filled with warmth, laughter, and an abundance of love.
How do you make Valentine’s Day special for your toddler?
Let me know below!
O.
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