Celebrate Valentine's Day with the Gift of Acceptance

When you think of Valentine’s Day, you probably envision chocolates, flowers, and heart-shaped balloons. You might even find yourself wanting all the typical Valentine’s Day treats and a special dinner of some sort! But have you ever thought of giving the gift of acceptance? Rather than mulling over drug-store holiday cards, allow this year’s Valentine’s Day be an opportunity to acknowledge what is already in front of you. 

As a parent, you have likely witnessed your child go through many changes. Whether it’s a new school setting, a different group of friends, a new diagnosis or medication, or even a different extra-curricular activity, they might not be a stranger to new beginnings. As they handle these new disruptions and opportunities, what your child might need now, more than ever, is your acceptance and unconditional love. 

This Valentine’s Day, we encourage you to express the outright love you have for your children. You probably do this everyday through actions, but we challenge you to put it into words! Messages that parents send tend to fall into one of two categories: supportive or controlling. We’re always going to encourage you to be supportive! This sounds so simple, yet supportive messaging is so powerful, impactful, and memorable!

Illustrating your love, appreciation and understanding for your children, through words (and of course your continued actions) will help your children to feel understood and to feel your love. And think of all the positive outcomes that can come from this: increased self-esteem, open communication, and less acting out to name a few. The acceptance you offer your children encompasses all of this and so much more!

Here are some ideas for ways to communicate through words your love and respect for your children, regardless of their age:

“You’re special to me! Really, you’re special to a lot of people and especially to me!”

“I enjoy spending time with you! Do you want to join me on a walk today?”

“Thanks for helping me with those errands! I appreciate you!”

“I loved the idea you shared with us at dinner! What other ideas do you have?”

Let this Valentine’s Day be the beginning of accepting your children (no matter their age!) for what makes them unique. Our favorite way to think about this sentiment is reflected in the poem, Holland by Emily Perl Kingsely. YES!! Click the link and read the poem now…it’s a MUST!! What we can learn from this metaphor is that sometimes the unexpected events in our lives can be the most rewarding, beautiful, and exactly what we needed in the end. 

How will you be using Valentine’s Day as an opportunity for reflection?

This week, we’ll leave you with a poem from one of our favorite books, Heal. Grow. Love by Pierre Alex Jeanty:

You will realize you are enough when you recognize there is no measuring stick. 

It’s all made up. 

The ruler itself doesn’t even know the rules.