I have always had trouble investing in the idea of Valentine’s Day that is promoted by stores with pink confetti, chocolates, expensive bouquets, and fluffy teddy bears. On the other hand, I am a huge fan of expressing affection and appreciation for people close to me, whether they are friends or family. John 13:34-35 says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” One active step in following this commandment is to express your love to others with intentionality.
While there is no limit for the days of the year on which we should express affection and appreciation to our loved ones, Valentine’s Day gives us a reminder to do so. Stores and shops provide many commercial options for gifts and cards. However, making kids Valentine’s Day cards at home can give you the opportunity to discuss the value of appreciation and caring with your children. As you choose a pattern and medium for your kids Valentine’s Day cards, I would like to offer the following 5 ideas:
Use Available Resources - Social media sites like Pinterest have so many patterns for cute card designs. For children (or adults) who appreciate a more structured approach to card-making, it is easy to find a wide variety of age-appropriate ideas.
Include a Bible Verse - God’s Word is full of beautiful expressions of love. Help your child to choose a Bible verse, and use the opportunity to talk to him or her about the Biblical definition of love.
Make it Personal with a Handprint - Is your child too young to read and write? You can help your child write a personal message, then use washable paint and let your child add his or her handprint as a signature. For the recipient, it will be a permanent reminder of the young child who sent the message.
Say it with Art - Who says that kids Valentine’s Day cards have to be pink or red? Encourage your child to create an original piece of art for his or her loved ones. Relaxing the rules will help your child develop his or her creativity, and will resulting in a unique and memorable gift.
Think Outside the Cardstock - There is no rule that says your message of love and appreciation needs to be written on a heart-shaped piece of paper. Why not adapt a familiar craft like word rocks, and let your child send his or her message in an unconventional way?
While every day is a good day to show affection and appreciation for those we love, Valentine’s Day offers us a reminder to be intentional in telling others that we care about them. Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity for you to talk with your child about God’s love and His commandment to love others.
Do you have great ideas for kids Valentine’s Day cards? Please share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.