Valentine’s Day Pressure on Kids

Hey, Moms. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s very important to address some pressures kids may be facing in school and in social settings. Expectations are high, and everyone is expected to have a valentine or express their feelings for their crush. Everyone goes out there and looks for someone to exchange gifts with, or to just share the day with. This leaves most kids feeling left out when their friends and classmates around them all have someone to share the day with but they don’t. A strong support system at home is important to establish not as a novelty, but as a constant reminder of a source of attention.

One tip I have is that you can remind them that the importance of Valentine’s Day is not only about being with your significant other. It’s perfectly fine for someone to exchange gifts with their friends and/or family members. You can perhaps go to a nice dinner or cook dinner together at home. It’s a great way to spend time and cook up some delicious Valentine’s Day desserts. It might also be a fun idea to go on a shopping trip in the mall together. My favorite memories, however, come from those small DIY projects that are easy and affordable. You can decorate anything from t-shirts to cupcakes, or buy some beads and make each other necklaces.

Girls face pressure everyday in and out of school; and it is hard enough for a young girl to juggle school, homework, friends and family. The last thing a girl needs is to feel worse and have to worry about not having a Valentine on Valentine’s Day. Talk to them and make sure they aren’t feeling alone. I like to make plans for the day and do something exciting. Be a friend first and then a parent, it will make them feel at ease and the will be likely to open up and share their feeling with you.