Valentine’s Day has been meaningful to me ever since childhood. When I was in school, I used to make cards for my classmates and, if I was lucky, receive some in return. It’s a day that brings warmth and joy into the cold winter season, even through the smallest gestures.
This year, Valentine’s Day has been especially touching to witness through my children.
Preparing with Excitement and Care
My four-year-old daughter started preparing for Valentine’s Day three days in advance. She made twelve cards entirely on her own—writing, decorating, and once again amazing me with her skills. If a name was more difficult to spell, I helped her practice on a draft first, but the final cards were all her work.
At kindergarten, there was a mailbox where children could place their cards over two days, and yesterday afternoon they were handed out. I couldn’t help but worry. She had put so much effort into her cards—what if no one made one for her?
Thankfully, one teacher and one classmate did, so she brought home two cards. I showed my happiness, of course, but I’ll admit there was a quiet disappointment inside me. Why didn’t more children make her a card? She seems to have friends, and they even had a lovely Valentine’s celebration at kindergarten with songs and poems. Watching the video the teacher sent—my daughter singing a long song completely from memory—filled me with pride.
A Card Made with Extra Love
The card my daughter put the most effort into was for her little brother. It turned out truly beautiful.
While she was at kindergarten yesterday, my son and I made a card for her. At two years old, and with Down syndrome, he doesn’t yet have the skills to make a card on his own. Still, I let him choose the colors and guided his hands on the paper, turning his handprints into flower bushes. I added decorations and wrote the message.
This morning, the children got dressed nicely, exchanged cards, hugged each other, and we took photos. Seeing all of this filled my heart in a way that’s hard to put into words. There’s nothing more beautiful than watching a sister and brother be each other’s best friends.
There was also a funny moment—my son was admiring the card when suddenly it was in his mouth, and a piece of paper disappeared. It happened in seconds. Luckily, the card wasn’t ruined, and all the drawings and text were still visible.
Love Without Expectations
Of course, Valentine’s Day is also something we mark as partners. We hugged in the morning and wished each other a happy Valentine’s Day. My partner has to go to work, but hopefully we’ll spend some time together in the evening.
I don’t expect gifts. He doesn’t usually give them, and that’s perfectly fine. He supports us financially, takes care of the children, and looks after our family every day. What more could I ask for? On Women’s Day, he always brings me flowers and chocolates—that’s his tradition.
Tonight, there’s a fun singing show on TV that we’ll definitely watch together as a family. I can already imagine the children dancing and trying to sing along. This morning, we sang winter songs together, and moments like these feel far more meaningful than any restaurant dinner.
For many women, Valentine’s Day means going out to eat. I don’t expect that. First, there’s nowhere nearby to go—the closest restaurant open in the evening is an hour’s drive away. Second, the children would have to come with us, and it would interfere with their bedtime. It would simply be too much. Being cozy at home together feels much better. Maybe when the children are older, we’ll plan something romantic just the two of us. That kind of luxury hasn’t been part of our lives for years, and with another baby on the way, it probably won’t be anytime soon. Time will tell.
Changing Friendships and Quiet Reflections
My own friendships have, unfortunately, grown quite distant. I used to wish everyone a happy Valentine’s Day, but now I don’t have the energy to write, call, or meet up. Family life takes so much time and focus.
Instead, I pour my energy into making sure my children have a joyful day. Priorities change, and this is a choice I’ve made. Living far from others and past experiences with pregnancies have also affected how easily I trust people. Maybe in the future, some friendships will warm up again when there’s more time—or maybe I’ll find new ones here. There’s no rush, but Valentine’s Day does bring these thoughts to the surface.
A Bittersweet Goodbye
There’s one more reason why today feels especially significant—both joyful and sad. This is our last special day in my partner’s parents’ house. We’re moving to our own apartment, just a five-minute drive away.
There are many reasons for the move: limited space upstairs, a third baby on the way, the need for more independence, and the fact that I’ll be having a planned C-section. It will be easier not to navigate stairs or carry my son up and down constantly.
We’ve had a cozy nest here for five years, and that chapter is coming to an end. It’s time to stand on our own. The children will, of course, still spend plenty of time here—we’re close, and the bond remains strong. Our cat will stay too. He’s part of the family, used to outdoor life and living in this house.
Because of all this, this morning felt especially meaningful. Our last Valentine’s Day here, the four of us together. When I look back at the photos we took of the children, I know this day will always stand out in my memory.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your family!
You are not alone.
If this story resonated with you and you’d like to go deeper, you can explore my e-book Our Journey – A Different Path. It offers honest reflections and lived experience beyond this post.
If you’re looking for practical support, I’ve created Routine Templates to help parents and children navigate daily life with more clarity, structure, and understanding.
You can also read my previous posts or follow along on Instagram @parentguidancehub, where I share everyday reflections on parenting, family life, and finding balance.
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