Take Your Kids to Deliver Valentines to the Nursing Home
Valentine’s Day is an incomprehensible holiday. This is the modern “Celebration of the Brand “, which probably dates back to the ancient bloody pagan festival of the sacrifice of goats and dogs . But do we need to delve into all this with our children? I vote against. This is something that they can figure out on their own in due time. In the meantime, we can make the day a manifestation of love and kindness to those we love and those who need it.
At my home, we made Valentine’s Day a family holiday. I turn on the hearts, I use red food coloring to turn milky pink, and then we go out with the whole family for dinner at a local diner (which, by the way, I highly recommend, since there are no crowds on Valentine’s Day). But Ashley Jones writes for Romper that there is another tradition you can start with your kids that is even sweeter: giving out valentines at a nursing home:
The sad reality is that nursing home residents do not usually accept regular visitors. Their family members may come from time to time, but their daily interactions with new faces in the community are usually limited. A child with hands full of red and pink valentines can bring a bright spot to their day that might not otherwise be there.
Imagine the joy you will bring to the residents of a nursing home, especially those who rarely (or never) receive visitors. At the same time, you are giving your children a top-notch experience to develop empathy and instilling the notion that Valentine’s Day is about showing love to others.
Jones has a few tips before you head out the door:
- Call ahead . Chances are, any nursing home will be happy to host and accompany you, but warn them. They may have special requirements or requests and will know the best time of the day to make the most of your visit.
- Ask about dietary restrictions . Cards are probably better to give out than candy, but you can ask the facility what the restrictions are if your child really wants to give away something sweet.
- Store-bought cards are suitable . If you and your kids want to make homemade postcards, that’s great. But shoppers are likely to be happy with the store’s variety, too. After all, it’s the thought that matters.
And if you can’t do it today, you can still go this weekend. Residents won’t mind if you’re a day or two late with their Valentine; they will just be glad to see you.