Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Going all out for your kids on valentines day

235 replies

Supergirl1958 · 14/02/2025 20:43

Seriously when did that become a thing! Tonight I’ve been told it’s ’on me’ that I feel guilty because it’s splashed all over my social media feeds about the efforts parents have gone to, balloons, presents, cakes, breakfasts for their children on Valentine’s Day?

Like AIU to think it shouldn’t be another thing to pressure parents into feeling guilty? Like the elf and so on!!

OP posts:
shellyleppard · 14/02/2025 20:53

I've never ever got my sons valentine's gifts.....even when they were at school. Total overload if you ask me

Strawberryfruitcorner · 14/02/2025 20:53

It is on you, you can’t live your life like this. You need to make your own decisions on how you live your life and own it!!

Social media is the biggest sales tool to ever exist and lots of people have fallen into the trap. It’s a consumerism dream.

We don’t do elf on a shelf.
We don’t do Christmas Eve boxes and matching pyjamas.
I didn’t do a gender reveal and post it etc etc

If people do then I’m happy for them and hope they enjoy it.

We have a brilliant life and make decisions for our family not because social media made us feel guilty.

Original poster
Supergirl1958 · 14/02/2025 20:53

WifeImprovementWorksInProgress · 14/02/2025 20:47

I'm with you, except I definitely don't feel guilty!

Also, I've frequented primary school playgrounds for a lot of years so far and I've never seen such a scene as there was this morning. Cards, flowers, chocs, and anxious looking mothers sending kids around delivering them..madness!!

Thank fcuk I never have to frequent a school playground as a parent! I’m a teacher so I never get to drop my son at school (sadly :( )

I honestly wish I didn’t feel guilty, and I know I shouldn’t! I’m more hacked off that I was told it’s ’on me’ by a friend that I feel guilty about it, despite it being rubbed in my face all day and all over my feed! I put a lot of effort in with my son all of the time! He’s also SEND so it’s extra tricky, I just don’t need the added pressure! That’s exactly what it is! It’s parents showing off for social media scoring points!

OP posts:
Yuja · 14/02/2025 20:52

I do not know a single person who has bought their children anything for Valentine's Day. My social media has exactly zero examples of this. Don't think it's widespread ...

Itsjustnotthevibe · 14/02/2025 20:51

I didn't even get a card for my husband let alone my kids!

PheasantPluckers · 14/02/2025 20:50

I do that stuff but don't post it on SM - fancy that!

Never done the Elf thing though, can't be arsed with that. People pick and choose what they want to do to. If you feel pressured by SM it's time to get off it.

MugPlate · 14/02/2025 20:49

People have lost their minds.

Original poster
Supergirl1958 · 14/02/2025 20:49

NewYou42 · 14/02/2025 20:47

Sorry but you're being a bit ridiculous. No one is pressuring you. I didn't do any of this big ridiculous show today and don't feel an ounce of guilt. Why would I, I don't think those who made a big celebration of it are better parents than me. You are letting your insecurities get the better of you.

Wow! I don’t think it’s ’ridiculous‘ to feel guilty about something!! What a mean thing to say!

OP posts:
WifeImprovementWorksInProgress · 14/02/2025 20:47

I'm with you, except I definitely don't feel guilty!

Also, I've frequented primary school playgrounds for a lot of years so far and I've never seen such a scene as there was this morning. Cards, flowers, chocs, and anxious looking mothers sending kids around delivering them..madness!!

NewYou42 · 14/02/2025 20:47

Sorry but you're being a bit ridiculous. No one is pressuring you. I didn't do any of this big ridiculous show today and don't feel an ounce of guilt. Why would I, I don't think those who made a big celebration of it are better parents than me. You are letting your insecurities get the better of you.

Swipe left for the next trending thread