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It is so much fun to watch your child get excited about exchanging Valentines. Those little candy hearts with “Valentine sayings" have been around for a long time. You may want to help your child or student make a Valentine mail box. Just click on
http://familycrafts.about.com/library/color/blcolvalentmailb
You could also add another dimension to the meaning of Valentine’s Day by helping your child or your student remember people in his or her life that they appreciate. I think at an early age they need to know that everything isn’t just about them. I know teens that still expect birthday presents but haven’t yet learned to reciprocate with even a card. Habits form so early in life. The earlier we can teach thinking about other, the better.
How about encouraging a child to make a Valentine that represents something they could do for others. Example: This Certificate is good for walking your dog, or watering your plants, a back rub, a night of cuddling together, etc.
There are many websites that you can print out certificates and make up your own verse. Select http://crafterscommunity.com/view/120/Valentine's_Day_Printable_Gift_Certificates for print-outs for these Valentine Certificates.
Valentine’s Day is also when we want to show our love to our children. http://homeschooling.about.com/od/holidays/ss/valentinecoupon.htm shows us how to make Valentines for our children. We can create Valentine coupons that say, “This is good for one story" or This coupon is good for a special snack.
I was thinking about my four daughters today and wrote a poem:
My Favorite Valentine
I smiled and pretended not to see
That she was making a card for me.
Her little hand holding the crayon so tight,
As she colored in red with all her might.
Her brown eyes held a twinkle, as she worked away;
I knew she would rather be outdoors at play.
She stopped and examined the heart colored in red
Then turned to me and this is what she said,
“Mommy, this Valentine is for you to open today.
Can you open it now, what do you say?"
She smiled and looked like an angel to me
As she hugged me and climbed up on my knee.
My throat felt tight as I looked at the heart in bold red.
I thought of times I was tired and unkind things I said.
But a child’s heart is forgiving and understands life
Is sometimes filled with hurrying and strife.
I held her close to me for a while
My eyes misted and I felt myself smile.
“I love you much and think you are so fine.
You will always be my very favorite Valentine."
God loans us our children for a little while
Only for a split-second they are a child.
So hold your little Valentine close to you and pray
That they too, will have a favorite Valentine card one day.
…Francine Larson
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