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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think this is a bit much for 8 year olds?

145 replies

Mydogatemypurse · 14/02/2020 11:03

A group of mums at my sons school have gone OTT on valentines day ... ringing other mums to alert them to who is dating who, and making sure that they are armed with presents and cards and making sure they 'dont forget'.
At the school this morning it was ridiculous. With a small group of kids getting showered with gifts/balloons etc whilst a lot were clearly left out.
Now my son isnt bothered in the slightest and didnt bat an eyelid, but my heart sank for some of the others who didnt get gifts and were looking on. I wondered about the impact on their self esteem at such a young age and whether the school should allow this.
Also I feel like a massive prude because I actually felt a bit uncomfortable with the parents encouraging the fuss, taking pictures of the happy couples kissing etc etc.
Am I completely out of touch?? I'm an old fart arent I?

OP posts:
GlummyMcGlummerson · 14/02/2020 11:04

8yo Children exchanging Valentine's Day gifts is creepy as hell. YANBU

halcyondays · 14/02/2020 11:05

8 year olds are dating?

AgentPrentiss · 14/02/2020 11:05

Nah that’s fucking insane for eight year olds! The fuck?

puds11 · 14/02/2020 11:05

Nah that’s weird. I mean...I bought my DD a present from the baby Grin but that’s normal...

BrimfulofSasha · 14/02/2020 11:06

this is gross.

Original poster
Mydogatemypurse · 14/02/2020 11:07

I thought it was weird too. I was just going to get my two sons cards off me and our cats ha.

OP posts:
honesttogod · 14/02/2020 11:07

The whole day is bloody stupid. Young children don't need the pressure of buying their "gf or bf" a card or gift.

undercoveraessedai · 14/02/2020 11:08

That's proper weird Envy

Original poster
Mydogatemypurse · 14/02/2020 11:08

Would you mention it to the school. I cant be the only person who was uncomfortable. I just dont want to be a big busy body

OP posts:
bananahood · 14/02/2020 11:10

I've encountered eight year olds saying they're "dating" (never amounts to anything other than a lot of giggling as far as I can tell) but that's way too far. So strange of the parents to encourage it Hmm

BeigeFoodLover · 14/02/2020 11:10

Urgh - that’s gross.

My 9yo has got a card and a little chocolate bunny for his ‘girlfriend’ - I made it very clear that he couldn’t have ‘love’ on the card. He’s hiding it in her tray.

I don’t mind the odd gift exchange, it’s sweet. But it wasn’t actively encouraged (all his idea) and no massive gestures like necklaces or balloons etc!

BeigeFoodLover · 14/02/2020 11:12

Edit to add: it’s a sweet idea, in that I like that my son gets excited about giving gifts. Both my kids love other people’s birthdays etc and I had to stop them getting me a valentines gift and told them to save their money. So I like the fact they’re thoughtful but also learn not to be too OTT hopefully! 🤣

Wendalicious · 14/02/2020 11:13

My 8 year old daughter made friendship cards for 3 friends and that was it- don’t like the girlfriend/boyfriend thing at all xx

Figgygal · 14/02/2020 11:13

My ds is 8 I remember when they were in reception they were all obsessed with boyfriends and girlfriends but even then I think they would’ve been mortified at the concept of Valentines. He has a “girlfriend” but valentines has rightly passes him by

What you’re describing seems absolutely ridiculous and yes it’s very on fair on some of the other children

OscarWildesCat · 14/02/2020 11:13

YANBU, doubt any of these children would have done this without parental input and are probably really embarrassed.

Original poster
Mydogatemypurse · 14/02/2020 11:14

Yeah I understand if the child just asked to do something small like that. I wondering if this is going to be a big deal every year now and some kids could end up dreading it for not being bought anything. I'm probably overthinking this now ha.

OP posts:
SapphosRock · 14/02/2020 11:14

My DD is in reception and made some heart cards for her (female) friends.

Exchanging gifts and 8 year olds dating is definitely weird.

Mlou32 · 14/02/2020 11:14

It'll be a bunch of sad parents with no other excitement in their lives. I wouldn't worry about it.

Figgygal · 14/02/2020 11:15

And when I say he has a gf she’s just his favourite girl and none of that talk is encouraged by us

Mumdiva99 · 14/02/2020 11:15

I have never seen that at school. (I have 3 kids). I have heard of a child wanting to get something for a gf or bf - but not come across it being driven by adults. I wouldn't pay too much heed to it. If your child asks you why it was happening then just be honest - I don't know - Valentines day is normally for more grown up people. (Imho - little kids aren't that bothered by this stuff - it's more the teens who would actually care).

inwood · 14/02/2020 11:16

That is batshit.

Twinkletoes888 · 14/02/2020 11:17

I saw this outside my 9yo class and thought it was rather strange....also a bit peeved that a 9yo put in more effort than my DH GrinGrin

Socalm · 14/02/2020 11:19

Some of those parents really have issues. I wouldn't mention it to the school though or worry about left out kids because seriously what could be more uncool than that.

Original poster
Mydogatemypurse · 14/02/2020 11:20

Ha ha maybe that's it twinkletoes888 I'm just jealous, I hadnt thought about it like that ha. No it's still strange tho I agree.

OP posts:
Socalm · 14/02/2020 11:20

I mean what could be more uncool than parents making you do valentines day stuff in front of everyone.

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