Valentine's Day doesn't have to just be about romance.
Today is my kids' first preschool Valentine's Day party. We spent one evening this week writing out our valentines according to a careful and precise list of students sent home from their school. My three year old twins chose each child's valentine carefully, selected a sticker to put on it, and then I did the writing. Every child, of course, received a valentine from each of my kids. What an amazing lesson for them on appreciating others.
Often, the main focus of this holiday is on love and romance, and the marketing that we see at this time of the year reflects that. We see images of roses and other flowers, candies, hearts, and other symbols of romantic love.
Which is great, except for those who may not be in romantic relationships right now. For teens, Valentine's Day can be excruciating for those in that situation. They may feel left out of the festivities, or worse, as if everyone "notices" that they don't have a special someone. Overdoing Valentine's Day celebrations, with a sole focus on the love and romance part, can intensify feelings of loneliness for these students. Having a holiday to shine the spotlight on the fact that they are alone only makes things worse.
As an alternative, try making the focus of this holiday expressing your care and appreciation for everyone. This way, all kids can take part, as both givers and receivers. Appreciation can be shown for friends, parents, siblings, teachers, everyone. It doesn't need to be limited to that one special someone. Think back to your own childhood, when you sent valentines to everyone in your class.
