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Valentine's Day is a day for ALL family members to show love and affection to each other - something that for siblings is not always easily done. Starting traditions and rituals for Valentine's Day in your family will not only help children show positive feelings toward each other on this day, but hopefully it will spill over to other days as well.
Start with some Ground Rules
Let the children know that on Valentine's Day, certain behavior will not be acceptable. No teasing, no fighting, etc. This is a day to celebrate love, respect and admiration. Also, if at all possible, don't do any punishing on this day. If something goes really wrong, perhaps you let the kids know that you will deal out any punishments AFTER Valentine's Day is over as you want everyone to be able to spend it together.
The Family Mailbox
Get a large box and with all family members help, decorate it for Valentine's Day. Use wrapping paper, ribbon, stickers, lace and hearts galore. Make sure the box is closeable and openable and has a mail slot on the top of it. Add your family name to the box. Place it in a prominite area of your home, and within easy reach for small kids.
Making Cards
Everyone has to make everyone else a card. Keep a box filled with supplies - stickers, paper, glue, lace, ribbon, wrapping paper, crayons, markers, paint, ink, stampers, whatever you can put together. Let everyone know they must finish their cards for everyone by the 13th! That way there are no last minute cards put together sloppily because someone forgot. You might even want to write the deadline on the side of the supply box.
Each card must contain at least one nice, positive thought about the other family member. No negative thoughts are allowed. (You may have to read through the cards before passing them out, depending on how well your children get along!)
Since Valentine's really are supposed to be anonymous, don't force your children to sign their names. This may also make it easier for them to right nice things about their siblings.
Have a Dinner Party
For dinner come up with a very "lovey" theme. Heart shaped hamburgers, heart shaped cake, red punch, whatever you can think of. Use a heart cookie cutter to turn just about anything into a heart shaped food. After dinner, everyone can open their valentines. Make sure everyone gets a hug and kiss before bed!
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