Valentines Day for kids

[Dumbo18]

Since when has it been a thing to buy for your children on Valentines Day? I dont care what people do with their time or money just more curious as to when getting cards, chocolates etc for your kids became a thing. When i was growing up (20 years ago) it was unheard of but now seems quite normal! I know it comes from a place of love which is nice but i do find it a bit odd to be totally honest!

My parents always used to get me something small when I was in the younger end of primary school, and I think most of my friends’ parents did similar for them.

So it’s something that’s been happening for a long time!

We didn't ever get things when we were growing up (which is fine! ... I didn't ever expect or think that we should have). A lot of my friends got cards and a token from their parents though. It's always been a bit of a thing. I got my kids a small bag of sweets... they're too young to understand why, but I just liked the idea.

I have never done it, but it’s fairly popular these days. My friends buys gift bags full of stuff. Not a chance I’d be doing that

I'm in my 40s and remember getting a heart shaped chocolate or biscuit in my lunch box with a little note from my mum. It made me feel really special. I wasn't the only one in the class to get something, but there were plenty of kids who got nothing. I expect the same is true now - just reflecting everyone's views on the day.
Over the years as a mum, i have done more and more for our two DDs! Another celebration day after approx 45 days of nothingness 😂
So when they were toddlers they maybe got a little teddy, then it progressed to teddy and helium balloon, now I'm full on decorating the kitchen after they go to bed, buying little gifts and heart shaped food items. None of it goes on social media, we all just enjoy it. Even my stoic, non-fluff loving husband has started to get into it. They are 7 and 8 now, so will probably only be a year or two before they don't care or want it anymore...

I'm 64 and each time a new method is derived to put pressure on parents to spend money I do roll my eyes a bit.

Jack Valentine is a tradition for children, isn’t it?

VD doesn't have to be commercialised or a money spinner though does it. What's wrong with an excuse to be extra appreciative of someone you love. My DSis took the day off work with her DP so that they could get up early and drive to a beach, where they barbecued their breakfast and saw the sun come up. My pupil had made me a cookie. You don't have to spend money. February is a rubbish cold month, what's wrong with a bit of fun in the middle.

I'm 36 and definitely didn't have "fun" parents, but they often got me a little Valentines day card (from the cats!) and I remember making cards at school when I was 4 or 5. It's not new at all.

It's nothing new at all.
I'm nearly 44 and always had a little note and a heart shaped chocolate lolly/Biscuit or similar from my parents.

We got our children a Colouring Book each, small card, a little plush heart and a mini box of Chocs. Was about £5 each and was cute. They were really excited and DH had covered the table in heart shaped confetti and put little heart shaped marshmallows out for them to have a couple with breakfast. A bit of light hearted fun.

Why do kids have to be involved in adult activities and pastimes? Kids are kids. Their turn will come

My mums been doing it since 1995

I see it as another excuse for parents to “top” other parents

Looking back i suppose when i was young we did make cards for our parents in school. These days it just seems to have gone overboard, i've seen huge balloons, cupcakes, teddies, new clothes. It must cost a fortune. Just seems like every occasion there's more money to be spent. I know people who go all out on Easter and Halloween as well

Yes. In this Instagram age of “look at me; look how brilliant our family is”

It’s a trap and they’re all falling in. “The cost of living crisis hasn’t affected us”

I think some parents do it because they like to give their kids a little treat, others do it for social media likes. A lot is done for social media these days, if that wasn't around my guess is that many of them wouldn't bother being extravagant with gifts, balloons etc to look good on fb or insta. It's sad really.

You're younger than me I think and my mum has always sent a card and present. I think you're just sad your parents didn't do it and converting that into anger

Absolutely this. Pressure. Pressure. Pressure. Kids in the playground competing against other kids. Never ending

Well I’m not sad about the fact that my parents treated me as a kid when I WAS a kid! Children knew their place then

@Tidsleytiddy not necessarily max I've had a card and present every year since I was 8. I don't post it and neither does she. It's just my mum saying she loves me every year. I think you're jealous (understandable) but why not show love

Because my children are my much-loved children, not my Valentine

This is definitely my favourite response so far! I think you've hit the nail on the head, maybe someone will come along and suggest therapy next

To be frank, I would cringe if my mum bought me card now. It was nice when I was a child. I'm hoping she won't text me "kisses on Valentines day xxx" as she did some years 😂Now I have husband to give me kisses.

We have been doing it for 20 years. A card from their secret admirer and a small toy/gift depending on age. Nothing on social media, just to be nice.

Valentine’s Day is nothing to do with kids