Love it or loathe it, Valentine's Day is meant to be about declaring your love for the significant other in your life. But what about the little significant others: your kids?
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Is it a sweet idea to send your child a Valentine's card – or give them a heart-shaped gift? Or is including your child in the February 14 lovefest a bit weird?
We asked the parents in our Top Testers Club community to share their thoughts about it all. And found opinion was actually quite split...
Yes, giving your child a Valentine's Day card or treat is a lovely thing to do
Those who include their children in Valentine's Day tend to go all out on presents and special meals and messages of caring and kindness.
"We have little presents and special dinner," says Stephanie M. "My little boy calls it Love Day."
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"I always do a little note," says Tanya B, "and give chocolate hearts or teddy bears. I make it a day all about love and happiness and being kind."
And Aileen F also makes a special effort to mark Valentine's with her girls. "I do cards, and put on a little tea party and get something small," she says. "Last year, I got them each a little hug rock to take to school. I'm not nearly as fussed about all the commercial stuff for adults, to be honest, like overpriced flowers, chocolate and meals out!"
For Lauren J, sharing Valentine's Day with her children is particularly important. "I have all boys," she says, "and, every year, I make them a special breakfast and set the table up with a little handmade card each and a flower in a glass for each.
"Hopefully one day they'll take this with them and do special things for their significant others. I need them to know that gifts aren't important but making an effort for someone you love means everything."
No, giving your child a Valentine's Day card or treat is not right
There are plenty of you who reckon Valentine's Day is not for the kids. And some, like Amber C, who think "it's so weird when parents do this".
"It's not something we do," says Tanya G. "For us, Valentine's Day is about romance – which doesn't involve our kids. We need one night a year where we focus on each other."
This is a feeling echoed by many of you, including Hayley B, who adds, "I think kids need to learn that it's OK to have special days that aren’t all about them and that it’s perfectly normal not to get a Valentine on Valentine’s Day… but still be able let others celebrate love.
"Romantic love is different to family love. Until they get partners of their own, they can watch Mummy and Daddy show love to each other and be happy for us, and understand how important that romantic relationship is to the family as a whole."
We'll leave the last word to a weary Jo P, who says, "I don't get time to give my husband a card, so there's no chance of the kids getting one!"
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