Do most mothers of teens expect a Valentine’s Day card or other momento from their children on Valentine’s Day?
I am a considerate person and I think Valentines Day is a fun holiday for expressing love and affection which should not be ignored, even if the love is between family members and friends versus romantic partners. For this reason, I am encouraging my teenage children to get their mother a Valentines Day card, even though their mother and I are divorced. I’m not going to make a big deal if they don’t and blow it off (as teens are inclined to do with lots of things), but am I on point when I say this is something that children should do on Valentine’s Day, i.e. get at least a card for their mother or make something up to show acknowledgment and appreciation?
I know that parents have Mother’s Day and Father’s Day but Valentines Day is also significant and I don’t think it is just for lovers but extends to anyone for whom you have a special place in your heart.
Am I taking it too far though and has Hallmark totally brainwashed unsuspecting consumers like me?
May 3rd, 2011 at 3:07 am
Well, it’ll be lovely to recieve one don’t you think? To know that your children are so considerate and loving.
May 3rd, 2011 at 3:10 am
Valentines day is about sharing your love. If the feeling is forced upon someone, then its not real. Just remind them that its nice, but don’t go overboard.
When I was younger I couldn’t afford squat. I would at least give my mommy a kiss for valentines day. I wrote her 2 letters I think for valentines days of different years.
Sometimes I think store bought cards are too impersonal. Especially when you think somewhere in the world, there’s a stack of these being sent somewhere to other people. A personal letter always works better.
If the kids see it the way you do then you’re in luck. I think mother’s day is more appropriate though. Those days I usually went all out for my mom.
May 3rd, 2011 at 3:31 am
My mother never expected me to do so as a child, and I’m in my early twenties. However, I always enjoyed picking out a little something for her; not necessarily a card, but just a little gift.
Hallmark is a card business and does want you to give as many cards as possible, but for the price of that paper, you can buy someone a trinket or candy instead. I’d recommend that. It gets use, and besides, letters are more personal! 😀
It’s good that you’re not pressuring your kids, but it’s also definitely okay and a good thing in my book to celebrate Valentine’s Day with those whom you have platonic and familial love.
May 3rd, 2011 at 3:56 am
There’s nothing wrong with getting something like that from your children, but it’s actually something that the husband is supposed to give.