Next month we celebrate Valentine’s Day. When I was in elementary and middle school, we exchanged cards and candy with our classmates. I remember how we would eagerly count our stash to see just who had the most cards. I also remember that some of my classmates didn’t receive many cards and I always felt sorry for those kids. I always gave each of classmates a card, even the ones I didn’t like. My close friends received candy as well as a card.
Another thing I recall about Valentine’s Day was that this seemed to be the day when secret crushes were revealed. I remember the first time a boy that I liked professed his love for me. I also recall the first time I confessed my love to a boy and he didn’t return those feelings. Hurt feelings are all a part of growing up. You can’t stop your kids from getting hurt but there are a few things that you can do to ease the pain.
Here’s some things to keep in mind:
(1) Make sure your kids know that the number of cards, candy, flowers, etc. is in no way a measure of their self-worth.
(2) Share with your kids your own Valentine’s Day memories, both good and bad.
(3) Allow your children to make their own decisions about whether they want to give or not give cards and other trinkets.
(4) If your child comes home with hurt feelings, lend a supportive ear. Don’t dismiss what they are feeling; let them know that you understand how they feel. Sometimes just being there is all that they need to make it through this crisis.
(5) Consider letting your kids mail their cards if they plan to send just a few. This will avoid hurt feelings of other classmates when they don’t receive a card in class.
See also:
14 Ways To Show Your Kids That You Love Them