Going all out for your kids on valentines day

When's Elf day?

DH and I didn’t even get each other cards 🤣 If I’d have been anywhere near a shop I’d probably have bought some chocs or heart shaped crumpets or something - I’d probably have taken a pic and I might have posted it but I certainly didn’t feel pressured to go to the shop specially or post anything Valentines related. I can’t relate to feeling pressure from socials to do anything these days BUT when I was on mat leave and at home all the time I defo felt it

I think a small gesture on the day is okay. I do my kids a different breakfast, with some hearts scattered around the table. I think posting intimate moments on social media isn’t fulfilling, full stop. Sadly it’s common for people to do it for likes and many take pictures with the intention to upload them onto their page. It’s just a sign of the times.

I hope this doesn’t come across judgy, as it’s not my intention, but maybe try having some time off SM. I haven’t been on SM for 5 years (bar Mumsnet 😂) and I do not miss it one bit. I realised I don’t care what old school friends/celebrities/influencers are doing and I don’t care if anyone knows what I do. The ones I do care about, I’ll text or speak over the phone to catch up on family life. It’s horrible feeling the pressure constantly and it’s hard to avoid because SM is designed to be v addictive.

I don’t know anyone that does all that, thankfully. Our schools are off for half term too. They are having a valentine disco next week though.
I always buy my kids some chocolate. Usually a chocolate orange or a hear shape lolly or something. Didn’t get a chance this year so I would them some bars at the local shop. I think it’s nice to give a little something. I bought my oh beer and chocolate, didn’t even get him a card.

Whaaaat? Thank goodness I’ve never come across this in real life. So weird. Didn’t even know it was a thing now

Valentine's Day being hyped up so you spend money, to bring income in between Christmas and Mother's Day.

Just opt out.

It’s absolutely on you. Do it, or don’t do it. but be happy with the decision you’ve made. Other people are free to do what they want with their children, it’s not about you.

I’ve done a fair bit for dc. I’ve not posted it on social media, I don’t post dc at all on social media. so I think the pp who’ve said ‘it’s all for likes’ can’t be quite right either. Some people just like to do different things to others?

So why make it about one day? I show ‘a little love’ to my child every day.
I guess the argument here is why have any holiday then. And Why does anyone have a birthday or anniversary when they could be celebrated everyday? Showing extra love or taking a day to think about the people you love more doesn’t mean we’re not showing love to them other days

Do it or don't. It's just social media looking for new concepts to get attention or sell more. We choose not to participate & make Xmas & birthdays special for DC & they learn to make or buy a card & helped to buy something small in return & it's all appreciated.

I think teaching kids (and ourselves) to choose our own adventure & they're not hard done by missing out on the latest social media frenzy is important. DD follows a couple of kids making videos on youtube and we've have to teach her that they're paid to sell things to her, not genuinely celebrating a new occasion every week.

Next it'll be buying kids gifts on mother's day!

Parents making an effort for their children on Valentine's Day? That's just ridiculous. Ignore the pressure, wherever that's come from.

I'm of an age where I think the gushing 'look at us were a couple' pictures on social media are unnecessary let alone involving children in this nonsense 🤣

We don't go all out. I bought an early Easter egg and some secondhand rock CDS for our teens who have suddenly gone all 'retro' with their music taste. We watched the last episode of Dexter and had a delicious takeaway from our local Bangladeshi restaurant.

And yes I am judging. Dumbassery at its best.

Awwwww capitalism. How adorable.
Ive been a parent most of my life, to 5 children and i tell them all I love them multiple times a day or when I see them. No one is convincing me that consumerism is better. Fuck that noise.

Damn the more people who don’t bother standing up to this BS, the longer it lasts. Think you yourselves people!! Ffs.

Just makes me sad to think of any kids not getting ‘love’ if this is becoming normalised at school.

Isn’t life hard enough for those on the edges already?

My parents never did valentines gifts for me, and I don’t plan on doing them for DD when she’s older (she’s a baby).

I personally associate Valentine’s Day with romantic love, rather than other kinds, so tend to just give DP a card, and a gift, and he does the same for me.

You could say this about anything.

I bought my kids a heart shaped lolly each and they were over the moon. I’m up for any little celebration that brings a bit more cheer to this gloomy time of year!

You shouldn’t feel guilty for not doing anything for your kids on Valentine’s Day, nor should others be judged for doing something for their kids on Valentine’s Day whether just because they want to or because they’re looking for validation on social media.

I think lots of people seek validation in their own way, and social media is an easier one for people to judge.

What did you want your friend to say to you? Not everyone will agree that you can blame social media for making you feel guilty, especially when it’s something we voluntarily engage with.

Another way to make certain children feel excluded.

How depressing.