My child’s school has asked that we not send Valentine’s Day gifts to school. While I am not faulting the school and totally understand why they are discouraging gifts and flowers being sent to school, other parents still do it. And as a result, last year my child felt left out and of course I felt horrible. While I want to follow the suggestions of our school district, I also want my kiddos to feel loved and special that day too. Suggestions on what would be an appropriate way to make sure my kids don’t feel left out at school this Valentine’s Day?
Teacher 1:
Valentine’s Day is a very special day to show the ones we love how much we appreciate and love them. Love doesn’t always have to be shown through material gifts. Although those are fun to get at school, other things can be done to show your child love and follow the school policies.
Being a teacher, I get the opportunity to observe students everyday. The one thing I see students get most excited about at school is when a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle or even friend comes to school to visit. Instead of sending Valentine’s treats to school, arrange to have a special Valentine’s lunch date at your child’s school that day. Bring a Valentine’s Day themed lunch and treats. You could even bring a gift, but bring it back home with you when you leave.
Another special gift I have observed is special lunch box notes on Valentine’s Day. Let your child know you are thinking of him/her when they open their lunchbox on the special day. Even sneaking a favorite Valentine’s Day candy would be appropriate.
Teacher 2:
As a mom, I have played this 2 ways.
For YEARS I followed the rules and did not send my kids Valentines to school as it was highly discouraged and noted in all their student handbooks My kids would come home and be sad, we would have discussions about: following rules, life isn’t fair, disappointment can build character, when you are adults you can interpret rules how you see fit, we don’t always get what we want, jealousy and envy are not acceptable and we should strive to be happy for those who get what we want, we don’t always win, life is not always about getting it is also about giving, respect of authority is even in the bible….
My kids would be sad that afternoon and then we would celebrate Valentines day at home with treats and fun. The next day I never heard another word about Valentines day. It was like the problem never existed.
I have also been the parent, especially the last few years, that joined the crowd and sent flowers!
Teacher 3:
- I think as a parent, you could send treats with your child to give to teachers and friends so they can share in the joy of giving and not receiving…. which is another life lesson.
- Letting your child take his/her lunch to school and include a special treat or surprise would be fun and my help ease disappointment about not getting flowers/gifts at school.
- Having a celebration at home, after school, and preparing your child for the event, can help them say, “I love your flowers… We are going to the movies tonight, etc” Give them something to look forward to.
If you’re like us, you are probably constantly on the hunt looking for ways to improve your child’s education and help them reach their full potential. Our anonymous panel of teachers have some great advice. If you have a question for the teachers, email us and we’ll send it to them. Then look for your answer here. Email to: info(at)SouthwestMissouriMoms.com.