Going all out for your kids on valentines day

[Supergirl1958]

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!!

When will you learn not to outsource your self-worth and validation to social media and 'likes'.

Exactly. What is missing in your life that you feel that you need 'likes'.

English bloke here. What the hell is this creepy rubbish?

Valentine’s cards are exclusively for someone you’re already shagging and wish to continue doing so, or someone you haven’t shagged yet but hope to. 😄

To me, sending a Valentine’s card to anyone who’s not a potential partner would be the height of creepiness. I’m not joking. Involving children in Valentine’s exchanges is sick. Have I missed something?

Not everyone does it for the likes. I made a fuss at breakfast, the three DC had little presents, cards, chocolates, my DH got me flowers, candle, new water bottle. It’s just nice. Wouldn’t dream of posting any of it on social media though.

I do it just because my children would like it.

It is on you. Either do it or don't do it, what other people do doesn't matter.

Mine had heart waffles for breakfast and then a little basket of treats such as a teddy, a few chocs etc.

It's just a bit of fun.

Valentines day isn't or doesn't have to be just about romantic love. Surely you know that other kinds of love exist?

I’m with you OP. I swear none of my friends have ever done anything for their kids for Valentine’s Day yet today on social media they were all over it with decorations, presents etc. Feel like I missed a memo somewhere in the last year that this is now a thing.

Haven't RTFT yet, but this morning, my DS looked a little forlorn when I opened a Valentine's card from my DH (we don't go all out, just cards and maybe some chocs).

DS wanted to know why he didn't get a card.

I did feel a bit guilty but stuck to my resolve and explained that Valentine's Day was a day to express love for husbands and wives, partners, boyfriends and girlfriends, etc.

I think actually, we do loads for kids and try to make 99% of things about kids, that it's probably good for them to see and understand that not everything revolves around them.

I don't necessarily think that getting gifts for children on Valentine's Day or, for example, when parents give siblings presents on birthdays so they don't feel left out, etc. Is the best thing for kids. It doesn't help to teach them that the world is bigger than them.

I got a wee gift off my mum in the 80s and 90s!

I got my kids a little thing. Didn't put it on social media cos I don't really post much.

I just don't understand, genuinely, why people get so irate about it. Cue someone saying they're not irate they're just commenting when actually their posts are irritable and full of vitriol.

Who cares?

Of course: That’s what Christmas and birthdays are for.

Isn’t it? That’s news to me.

The only person that got a valentine was my dog (WhatsApp message from the owner of the dog he's always snogging in training class)

whats your point? Your defensive as hell for no reason. Do it don’t do it I don’t care and I’m sure the next person don’t. I did it but the only people that know are me my daughter and her dad. The reason being is just showing her she is loved and exactly how it should be on this day.

It doesn't have to be. Of course, you can just celebrate romantic relationships if that's what you prefer but obviously love isn't always romantic and that can be celebrated too.

OK, but would you send a Valentine’s card to a close (absolutely platonic) male friend and expect it not to be misinterpreted?

Have you seen the different types of Valentine's day cards for sale?. Many of them are just quite sweet and fun.

They don't all declare the words 'I love you Wife/Husband/Boy-Girlfriend.

Please excuse the digression, but this thread got me thinking.

My wife and I consider the commercialisation of this arbitrary day absurd, and always ignore St-bloody-Valentine and all she stands for.

But … My wife spent all of yesterday and most of today looking at very expensive guitars on the net, occasionally asking my opinion on the colours.

Ladies! Please advise. Have I missed some subtle female language which, being only a man, I don’t understand? 😂

What's "on you"? I don't feel any pressure whatsoever. You have a choice. Same at Christmas. I've always given my children brilliant Christmases without bothering about elf on the shelf or Christmas Eve boxes or matching pyjamas. None of that is necessary, and gifts and cards for Valentine's for social media is also not necessary. They know they're loved without any of that rubbish.

Brilliant post, so so true. I'm 63 yrs old this year and SM has a helluva lot to answer for.
We don't need to involve ourselves in this commercialism of everything. It's so obviously unhealthy.
Don't feel guilty OP it's all such bollocks.

Apologies, but no.

I haven’t seen ANY Valentine’s cards at all, for about forty years. 😄

Same here

If this was me it would mean I was considering a guitar and wanted your view on colours. It would not be a subtle hint for you to buy me one, if that’s what you’re wondering.

@IridiumSky shes heavily ‘hinting’

My best friend is male, he got a card and he knows it's because I love him in a platonic way.

We get each other cards every year, have done for years.

Just in case it ever comes up in a pub quiz, St Valentine was a man.

I was just going to say this