Is Valentines Day also for family?

Valentine's Day is a bit like Marmite, you either love it or hate it.

While some people relish the chance to treat their loved ones, others believe it's nothing more than a commercialised gimmick.

And it seems the essence of the day has changed over the years, from starting out as couples celebrating their love for one another to parents showing their love for their kids.

There's a whole host of gift ideas out there for both adults and children to celebrate the day - along with Valentine's cards for son, daughter, mum, dad, the dog, you name it.

Is Valentines Day also for family?

We asked parents whether Valentine's is kept between couples or shared with the kids - and most told us they like to get the whole family involved

So what do Manchester families think? We asked parents whether Valentine's is kept between couples or shared with the kids - and most told us they like to get the whole family involved.

"I get my daughters roses, a love heart balloon and chocolates, I have done every year," said Victoria Sheridan, while Jo Robinson added: "It’s a day for celebrating the people you love no matter what your relationship is."

Stephanie Powley said: "I always include the children and get them a small present and do a Valentine's breakfast and afternoon tea for us all... me and my sister used to always get a single rose or small bunch of flowers off our mum and dad at Valentine's Day."

And Rosanna Dougherty said: "My mum always did it for us with a question mark in or funny handwriting. It's something I remember, so I do the same for mine - few chocs and a card. Not expensive but memorable."

After much of the last year spent in lockdown amid the pandemic, some mums told us they'll be making sure this year's Valentine's Day is even more special for their kids.

Is Valentines Day also for family?

A 'special little boy' Valentine's card (Image: Manchester Evening News)

Anna Tennant said: "Going all out for my kids this year - afternoon tea, gifts the lot. Valentine's are about love and who do you love more than your kids."

Lindsay Roberts is taking it a step further and said: "Normally I make them a card and buy a few sweets... This year I've bought a tonne of red tinsel and foil decorations from the Christmas sales and will be going mad for Valentine's, a bit of fun for them. I will cook them a meal too.. heart shaped Chicken nugs from Aldi. My husband doesn't need the fuss... My kids have had a tough year, they deserve it more."

Do you buy your children a Valentine's Card? Will you be doing anything special as a family? Or do you think the day should just be celebrated by couples? Let us know in the comments here, or share your views on our Manchester Family Facebook page.

But not everyone thinks the day should be shared with children.

Responding to the post on our Manchester Family Facebook page, Carol McKeown said the day is about couples as 'kids are spoilt with love everyday'.

Kate Bell agreed, saying: "Sorry but I think it's creepy giving kids presents on Valentine's Day. From personal experience it used to freak me out as a child."

Is Valentines Day also for family?

Valentine's cards are no longer just for partners or spouses

Others said they don't celebrate the day at all.

"Never celebrated it," said Christine Warburton. "We let each other know all the time how much we love each other, don't need to fund a card company to do it."

And Sarah Gee said: "It's just a day in my house."

Despite not celebrating the day over the last 15 years with her partner, Becca Riley told us this year she'll making an exception - and doing something for the whole family.

"Never celebrated it in 15 years of being with him," she said. "This year because it's been so crappy, I'm doing a family afternoon tea, will decorate the table, got some red balloons, heart chocs. Anything that's a bit different from the norm as the days and weeks are dragging with nothingness."

We're with you on that one Becca.

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Valentine’s Day provides a great opportunity to have fun with your children and shower them with love! While Valentine’s Day is often associated with romantic love, it is a holiday you can share with your whole family, and it provides an opportunity to teach your children about the importance of caring for others. You can celebrate the holiday simply by telling your child “I love you” or trying out some of the ideas below.

Talk Love

Spend some time at the breakfast or dinner table talking with your child about Valentine’s Day and love. Use the holiday as an opportunity to tell your child how much you love them and what love means to you. You can also ask them questions to get them thinking about family, friendship, and love. What do they love? How do they show their family that they love them? You may be surprised by what they have to say!

Read Love

Take a trip to the library and pick out a few special books about Valentine’s Day. You can ask your librarian for book suggestions or check out these recommendations. Then head home for your very own story hour. Find a comfortable spot in your home and read aloud these special stories of love. You can even get crafty and create projects associated with your special Valentine’s Day stories.

Eat Love

Make a special Valentine’s Day treat to enjoy with your child! Some fun ideas are:

    • Strawberry Heart French Toast
    • Apple Heart Sandwiches
    • Valentine's Day Chex Mix
    • Heart-Shaped Pizza
    • Healthy Heart Kabobs
    • Peanut Butter Heart Cookies

Show Love

Model for your child what it means to love others. This can be done by showing your child how much you love them and the rest of your family through these ten great ways. You can also show your child how to care for others and the world around them. You can do this by volunteering to help those in need, being kind to others, and donating to causes that you and your family care about. These actions will help your child see the value of love and compassion.

Play Love

Have fun with your child with some special love-themed activities:

    • Looking for Love Hide and Seek
    • Play Pin the Heart on Cupid
    • Try a Game of Musical Hearts
    • Turn up the music and sing your favorite love songs together
    • Make Stained Glass Heart Decorations
    • Decorate Valentine’s Day cards to give to classmates and friends

This great collection of games, crafts, and activity ideas will be fun for your whole family.

Your preschooler will love these Valentine’s Day craft ideas.

Take a look at this great list of activities to try out with your kids this Valentine’s Day.

Is Valentine's Day for family?

While Valentine's Day is often associated with romantic love, it is a holiday you can share with your whole family, and it provides an opportunity to teach your children about the importance of caring for others.

Is Valentine's Day for family and friends?

Valentine's Day is a celebration of love, but it isn't for romantic lovers only. Valentine's Day is also a day to remember ALL the love you have in your life, which includes your wonderful family and friends.

Can we wish Valentines Day family?

Although Valentine's Day is generally associated with romantic love, you can utilize this particular day to honor the familial love you share with your loved ones. You can express to your family how much you adore them and appreciate them by delivering cute Valentine's Day wishes. Check out the best ones below!

Is valentine only for lovers?

While popular culture makes you believe that Valentine's Day is only for love-struck couples, it's a day of love, and that love can be for anyone. Thus, all kinds of love should be celebrated; whether it is for your parents, your siblings or your children.